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Attack of the Wood Destroying Organisms!!

By
Home Inspector with IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581

wdo damageWood Destroying Organisms! The phrase alone invokes sheer terror, conjuring up images of black and white B movies about mutant insects on the loose. Unfortunately, they are not as uncommon as you might think, but that doesn't make them any less scary.  Termites are perhaps the most common Wood Destroying Organism. However, there are pesky Carpenter bees and Carpenter Ants. There is also a Powder Post Beetle. 

termite damage

 

How do you know which Wood Destroying Organism you have? Well it is best to leave that to the pest control experts. That being said, there are many resources that indicate termites only excavate into the soft portion of the wood. Carpenter bees bore circular holes into the wood, they do not take up permanent residence, like termites will. Carpenter ants will bore into the structure, leaving behind a "sawdust" residue. The powder post beetles lay eggs, leaving the dastardly deed of destroying with their larvae. Regardless of which type of WDO you have, they are all equally destructive.

The best way to determine which type of wood destroying organism you have is to consult a pest control company. They can explain what and why and help you prevent further infestations.

 

carpenter bee WDO

 

 

 

 

For more information on the varieties of Wood Destroying Organisms check out this link http://www.usinspect.com/resources-for-you/house-facts/common-household-pests/wood-destroying-insects-and-organisms

 

 

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Robert Butler
Aspect Inspection - Montreal West Island, QC
Montreal Home Inspector | Aspect Inspection

Sure the insects will have done the damage, and continue to do so but water got there first. Had the wood detailing been done to deal with the water, the insects would have found other MREs. Remember wet wood is like a cooked meal to these guys.

Aug 02, 2011 05:47 AM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Thanks for the information, Robert. I am sure the inspector duly noted the water issue. My blog was about WDO's and their MRE'S(love this, by the way) so I inserted the best pictures that I could find.  ... you caught me not doing a thorough research job on my end ~ Jennifer

Aug 02, 2011 06:15 AM
Steven Cook
No Longer Processing Mortgages. - Tacoma, WA

Great pictures to get the point across.  The other issue we have up here is that if there are any bugs in the wood nearby - we get woodpeckers who create large holes, not just to feed, but to build a nest.

Oct 10, 2011 05:49 AM