Did you realize that Jacksonville FL invest $5 billion every year to fight termite infestations? While termites aren’t the only destructive wood-destroying insects (WDIs) also known as wood-destroying species (WDOs) however they are the most prevalent. Other insects and organisms that cause destruction include wood-decaying fungi and wood-boring beetles and carpenter beetles as well as dry or wet decay.
How do you tackle these issues? A WDO/WDI-inspection performed by a certified professional home inspector can find the signs of previous, current or future damage, and protect homeowners buyers, sellers, and homeowners from expensive repairs and security risks.
Termites, in addition to other wood-destroying organisms and insects can infest any house of any age and in any region. This guide will give you important tips on how you can keep your home safe from.
What Are Wood-Destroying Organisms and Insects?
Wood-destroying insects and organisms take on the essential elements of wood and cause it to break down its structural solidity. They destroy wood from the inside out which could weaken foundations, floors and ceilings, and walls.
When someone mentions ‘wood-destroying the majority of them imagine termites. This is normal, particularly because termites infest over 600,000 homes in the Jacksonville FL every year. Termites belong to an entire group of insects that cause wood destruction that include carpenter bees and powder post beetles and carpenter ants, in addition to other species.
When conducting a WDO/WDI inspection home inspectors search for evidence of decay in wood, previous infestations, damages to wood, treatments that have been used and whether the conditions are conducive to infestations.
What Are the Most Common Types of Wood Destroying Organisms and Insects?
Termites
Termites thrive in conditions ranging from 75°F and 95°F. They reproduce quickly and spread more quickly than any other organism that destroys wood. In reality the queen termite could last for more than three decades and create 10,000 new termites per year. Drywood Subterranean As well as Formosan, are among the more prevalent kinds of termites that are that are found in homes. when they take grip on the wood, it is extremely difficult to eliminate them.
Wood-Boring Beetles
This includes powder post beetles, as well as the old house borer. It is crucial to understand that wood-boring insects are not just a threat to wood, but can also harm structures made of non-wood, such as plastic, plaster as well as soft metals which can encase any wood beneath.
Wood-Decaying Fungi
Wet rot requires a high amount of humidity to grow and can be often found in damp areas of wood. Dry rot, on the other hand, is much more dangerous since it is spread throughout the entire wood regardless of the amount of moisture. The result is soft and sticky wood which is a perfect habitat for other wood-destroying organisms.
Do I Need a WDO/WDI Inspection?
A WDO/WDI inspection is a excellent way to determine the presence of wood-destroying organisms as well as insects within your home. We recommend buyers do an inspection by a WDO/WDI inspector on their potential homes prior to making the purchase.
WDO Inspection for Loan Formalities
The thing that many don’t realize is that a report on WDO/WDI is required in many states prior to the sale of a home. The majority of mortgage lenders, banks as well as guarantors will need the same report to verify the safety the investment.
A majority of people think that the FHA Inspection is needed for loans that originate directly from HUD. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, they often require a WDO/WDI inspection to ensure that homeowners do not have to pay a significant amount for repairs to their homes later on. For instance, damage caused by termites could cost as much as $3300 for repairs.
Even if you’ren’t buying or selling your home using an active approach to WDO/WDIs could be beneficial. If these organisms and insects remain unaddressed, they may create serious problems that need repairs that are extensive and cause a significant loss of the value of your house.
If you are experiencing one of the following problems you may want to speak with a WDO/WDI inspector expert:
Mold starts to form within the home
Wood with a tinge of yellowish-white
Wood that is spongy, or “gives” with pressure
The wood’s soil cracks and crevices
Any areas that are rotten
While they’re far from providing an all-inclusive list of concerns but they are the most frequently observed indications that WDOs or WDIs exist. Being able to respond immediately to any issues is vital.
What are the Different Types of WDO/WDI Inspection?
A WDO/WDI inspection is a essential part of the house inspection procedure. This WDO Inspection in Jacksonville FL that ensures you are protected from insects that can harm the wood structures and foundations your house. In the long time, this inspection will help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars while keeping the wood structure intact for for a long time.
Complete WDO/WDI Inspections
When you conduct a Full WDO/WDI Inspection Your certified inspector will conduct a visual examination of the structure inside and exterior structure. They’ll only be able check the areas that are accessible it is crucial to prepare the house prior to the inspection the date.
Limited WDO/WDI Inspections
For buyers, homeowners, or sellers concerned about insects and organisms within a specific area of their house an inspection limited to WDO/WDI can be conducted. The inspection will only be limited to areas requested by the buyer. While this kind of inspection may help to identify problems if there is a specific reason to be concerned A complete WDO inspection is highly advised.
What’s included in an inspection of WDO/WDI?
In a WDO/WDI inspection, your home inspector will inspect and search for these things:
Exterior WDO/WDI Inspection
There is no evidence of termite activity
Termite shelter tubes
Flying termites
Termite droppings
Conditions that are conducive for WDOs
Dead tree stumps close to home
Wood is close to the ground
Tree branches that touch or are overhanging the house
Leaky gutters and downspouts
Improper grading
Evidence of any wood-destroying insects or other organisms
Interior WDO/WDI Inspection
Areas prone to WDO/WDI
Garage and basement
Frames for windows and doors
Tapping, probing, and squeezing out termites in wood that is susceptible to termites
Termites living or dead as well as evidence for their existence
Conditions conducive to WDOs (e.g. high levels of moisture)
Wood that is damaged
WDO/WDI inspectors usually employ specialized tools and equipment to conduct their inspection. If they spot indications of infestation they’ll include this information in their report, along with the treatment estimate and suggestions for treatment. The evidence of previous infestations will be also noted within the document.
How Long Does a WDO/WDI Inspection Take?
The inspection typically lasts between 30 up to an hour, though bigger homes may require more time. Damaged homes could prolong the time of inspection.
The home inspector will perform a WDO/WDI Inspection as well as other important services simultaneously as a full home inspection or Home maintenance. This makes it easier and easy for buyers, homeowners, and sellers to get more knowledge of the state of their homes.
How Much Does a WDO/WDI Inspection Cost?
The price of a WDO/WDI Inspection can vary according to a number of variables such as where you live as well as the dimensions of your house. It can cost anywhere between $125 and $225 or more, and it can also be combined with other services in order to provide more value. When scheduling your WDO/WDI inspection or another home inspection Ask your inspector about all options they offer and the package options available.