At CTR Home Inspections, we can conduct a Wood Destroying Insects Inspection that will identify insects, damage created by insects and evidence of past or current infestations. Termites, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, and Powder post beetles are included in our inspection.
We can provide you with a written report that may be necessary for government loan programs (FHA/ VA/CHFA), as well as additional letters often requested by lending institutions or insurance requirements.
What’s Included?
Termites, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, and Powder post beetles are included in our inspection.
We can provide you with a written report that may be necessary for government loan programs (FHA/ VA/CHFA) as well as additional letters often requested by lending institutions or insurance requirements.
CTR Home Inspections services Rockland County, Orange County, Westchester County and the Rockaways in NY, and Bergen County and Passaic County in NJ. Call or text us to schedule your inspection.
Wood Destroying Insects
Termites
Over 2 million homes require termite treatment each year. Termites cause over $1.5 billion in damages annually, which is more than the damage caused by all fires, storms, and earthquakes combined. Homeowner’s insurance can help recover losses from fires, floods and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to get insurance against termites.
Termites eat wood and may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard boxes, furniture and more. Even steel framed and masonry buildings can be damaged by termites because they include wooden doors and window frames, wooden support beams, cabinets, or shelving.
Our inspection will determine if you have issues with termites in your home.
Carpenter Ants
Damage caused by carpenter ants is caused by colonies and satellite colonies in walls and in adjacent trees, stumps and bushes. Carpenter ants multiply very quickly, so it does not take long for an infestation to develop.
Carpenter ants do not eat wood, they use it to construct their nests.
Our inspection will determine if you have current issues with Carpenter ants in your home.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees excavate wood to construct their nests. Carpenter bees, which look like bumblebees, are large, up to one inch in length.
Carpenter bees excavate their nests in many different species of wood, including fir, redwood, cedar and yellow pine. They apparently prefer softwoods, which are easy to work. Hardwoods softened as a result of exposure to weathering are also attacked. Most painted surfaces and timbers with bark are avoided.
A visible sign of infestation is a large, ½ inch diameter, circular entrance hole bored by a female. A nest, which has been used for a number of years, may have an opening of nearly one-inch in diameter with more irregular outlines. Bees will most likely be found in areas where wood is unpainted or lightly stained, or on roof trim and siding.
Our inspection will determine if you currently have Carpenter bees in your home.
Powder Post Beetles
Powder post beetles produce small emergence holes ranging in size from 1/32” to 3/8” depending on the type of beetle. They usually infest in damp basements and on old structural lumber. Active powder post beetle emergence holes produce light-colored frass, which is a powder-like substance.
Typically the beetle damage does not affect enough of the timber to cause a support concern, but in some instances, damage can be significant.
Our inspection will determine if you have current issues with powder post beetles in your home.