Termites
Termites are the most common and most destructive wood-destroying insect. They are most prevalent in warm climates, but can be found in a few localized areas of Canada as well. Termites, like ants, are a social, colonizing insect. Within each colony there are reproductives, soldiers, and workers. The workers are the ones that damage the wood. There are many species of termite; the two most common are subterranean and drywood termites.

Subterranean Termites
Any time wood is exposed to elevated moisture, conditions are ripe for subterranean termite activity. Wood close to or in contact with soil is especially prone to termite attack. The workers build mud tunnels or tubes as a means of traveling between the soil and wood elements. The hidden nature of their activity makes them especially difficult to detect. Often the tunnels are the only visible sign of their presence. Swarming winged termites or damaged wood are also indications of activity. Formosan termites are a very aggressive subterranean termite species that has invaded areas of the southeastern U.S.

Traditional treatment for subterranean termites involves applying a chemical barrier between the house and soil using non-repellant pesticides (termiticides). Termites passing through the barrier pick up the toxic chemical and carry it to the nesting areas where the entire colony is eventually affected. A relatively new approach to termite treatment is baiting. Bait stations are placed around the perimeter of a house; when there is evidence of termite activity at the station, a termiticide is placed in the station. While bait stations may be used proactively, in most cases they are used in conjunction with some form of conventional treatment when an infestation has been confirmed. Surface applied borates are also used for termite treatment. Conventional treatment measures may not be possible in some cases, such as when a well is located within or near the foundation or if the heating system ductwork or piping runs through a floor slab. Formosan termites are a very aggressive subterranean termite species that has invaded areas of the southeastern U.S.

Drywood Termites
These insects are most prevalent in warm southern coastal areas. Drywood termites feed and nest within the wood. They will attack relatively dry wood anywhere in a structure. Signs of their activity include small piles of fecal pellets or partially digested wood. Spot treatment is possible for limited infestations, however, in more severe cases, tenting of the house and fumigation may be required.

Carpenter Ants
The carpenter ant, a relatively large black to reddish-black ant, has become a major infestation problem in many areas. When nesting in old tree stumps or timbers, they often invade the house foraging for food. But they will also nest within a house. They are attracted to moist environments and will gnaw out their galleries for their offspring in solid wood adjacent to a high-moisture area. But unlike termites, they receive no nourishment from the wood they excavate. Carpenter ant damage is generally more localized than damage caused by termite infestation. While treatment for carpenter ants sometimes involves the whole house; in most cases spot treatment using a surface applied pesticide, or even simply removing the source of attraction (moisture), can eliminate the infestation.

Beetles
There are numerous types of wood destroying beetles. Common types include powderpost beetles, wharf borers, and old house beetles. Each beetle has differing physical characteristics such as its size, shape, color, etc. Older homes are generally more likely to experience beetle infestation; however, it is also possible to find infestation in newly milled lumber used for new homes or furniture.

Adult beetles deposit eggs in cracks or holes in the wood. As they develop into the larval stage, they start boring through the wood. After a period of months, or sometimes years, the larvae emerge as adults through "exit" holes. The primary signs of beetle activity are their exit holes and fine sawdust-like “frass,” which may fall from the holes. In many cases, despite the presence of exit holes, the infestation will actually be the result of old activity. Often spot treatment of the infested area or applying a surface pesticide or even paint will prevent a recurrence. In extreme cases of chronic re-infestation, fumigation may be required.

Carpenter bees
The carpenter bee, a large bee that is similar in appearance to a bumble bee, creates tunnels in wood, often in an exterior trim piece, to deposit its eggs. This bee is primarily a nuisance pest, but if allowed to reinfest the same areas, structural damage could occur. The principal sign of activity is the presence of ½-inch diameter holes with stains below. Sawdust piles may also be evident. Spot treating and plugging the holes will take care of most carpenter bee infestations.

• Plan ahead. Schedule the job during a week when the forecast is sunny, warm, and dry for several days. Reschedule any deliveries, since the driveway should not be used until the sealer dries.
• Dress appropriately. Wear old shoes and clothing that you can discard; wear gloves to protect hands.
• Clean the driveway thoroughly. Use a leaf blower or broom to remove loose dirt and debris. Remove any oil stains with a commercial degreaser.
• Patch cracks more than 1/8 inch wide. Small cracks can be filled by using a sealer containing fine filler such as sand. Tube-type fillers are also available. If the cracks are too numerous or large, you might need to resurface.
• Follow instructions. Review product directions carefully. Allow new driveways to age at least a year before applying a sealer. If crack fillers are used, you may need to wait a month or more for them to properly cure before applying the sealer. If the driveway has been sealed previously, use a compatible type sealer.
• Mix thoroughly. Blending containers together will help ensure uniform shading. Make sure you have enough sealer on hand so you don’t have to stop in the middle of a job, which might result in a change of appearance.
• Pour, spread, and brush sealer onto the driveway. First, pour sealer on section of the driveway. Next, spread with the recommended type squeegee applicator. Finally, brush over the sealer to work it into the pores of the driveway. Continue until entire driveway is coated.
• Do not overdo it. One coat is all that is needed to seal the driveway and reduce staining and water damage. A new blacktop driveway can last for several years without sealing. A coat every three years is usually an adequate maintenance schedule.

Quick Tips: Refresh Your Driveway

• Work in good weather.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Clean driveway thoroughly.
• Patch cracks first.
• Follow product instructions.
• Buy enough sealer to complete the job.
• Pour, spread, and brush sealer into grooves.
• Avoid sealing too often.

Why inspect if you can’t negotiate?
Foreclosure homes are usually “as-is” sales. This means that buyers cannot negotiate for the cost of needed repairs, as they may do in a traditional home purchase. Buyers must absorb repair costs themselves and consider this in their purchase offer at auction. So why get a professional inspection on a foreclosure property?

Too many foreclosure buyers think they’re getting a deal when, in fact, they might be purchasing a property with substantial and costly defects. The repair of these major issues could exceed the savings gained in buying a foreclosed property.

Sellers at foreclosure auctions are not usually obligated to disclose defects. But buyers can empower themselves by getting a professional property inspection before the auction that will provide valuable insights about the condition of the home. If pre-auction property inspections are not permitted at the foreclosure sale, buyers will need to weigh that risk carefully.

Knowledge is Power
Even with a significant influx of newly foreclosed properties due to the sub prime mortgage mess, the foreclosure market can be competitive, and it is often dominated by experienced real estate investors. Armed with the right information you can make informed bids and find the best home at the best deal. After all, a bargain isn’t a bargain if it costs more than expected down the line.