Santa Rosa Termite and Pest Control - wood destroying pests & common defects

Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection

Structural Termite Inspections - Thermal Imaging

Inspection procedures and reporting requirements under California law. All structural pest control companies in California are licensed by the state with the structural pest control board. The state has set the requirements for all inspection. In the real estate community, the termite inspection is often referred to as a "pest inspection" which is actually a misnomer because a buyer or seller may get the impression that a "pest inspection" would cover all pests (roaches, ants, spiders etc.) when in actuality it does not (it only covers wood destroying pests and/or organisms).

Inspections can take as long as 1 to 3 hours for an average (2000 sq.ft A complete termite inspection would include inspecting all accessible areas of the exterior portions of the structure (foundations, windows, doors trim, fascias, eaves, soffits, rafter tails, patios/carport supporting and any other accessible portion of the exterior) for evidence of wood-destroying organisms knows as (Section I items) in California as well as conditions that are conducive to an infestation known as (Section II items) in California. Some homes may not have visible evidence of termites, borers or wood rots but have several conditions that are conducive to an infestation or decay and these conditions should be corrected. A complete inspection would also include viewing all interior areas, walls, windows, closets, stairwell, closets, cabinets, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens and all walls of the garage and accessible portions of the attic and sub-structure.

Certain areas are recognized by the industry as inaccessible and/or for reasons not inspected. These included but are not limited to; inaccessible and/or insulated attics or portions thereof, attics with less then 18'' clearance, the interior of hollow walls; spaces between a floor or porch deck and the ceiling below; areas where there is no access without defacing or tearing out lumber, masonry or finished work; areas behind stoves, refrigerator or beneath flooring covering, furnishings; areas where encumbrances and storage conditions or locks make inspection impractical, portions of the sub-area concealed or made inaccessible by ducting, plumbing or insulation, area beneath wood floors over concrete, and areas concealed by heavy vegetation. Areas or timbers around eaves were visually inspected from ground level only. Although we make visual examinations we do not deface or probe windows and/or door frames or decorative trim work. Unless otherwise specified in this report, we do not inspect fences, sheds, dog houses, detached patios, detached wood framed decks, detached wood retaining walls or walkways. We assume no responsibility for any work completed by others or by owners/buyers/sellers. For damage to structure or contents during our inspection, or for infestations or infection, adverse conditions or damage undetected due to inaccessible or non-disclosure by owners/buyers/agents/tenants or other interested parties.

Concrete slab floor construction covered by floor coverings may conceal cracks in the slab that may allow infestation or infection to enter the structure. Ref. Structural Pest Control Act, article 6, Section 8516(b) paragraph 1990 (i). amended effective March 1, 1974. Inspection is limited to disclosure of wood destroying pest or organisms as set forth in the Structural Pest Control Act, article 6, Section 8516(b), paragraph 1990-1991. www.pestboard.ca.gov

Common Defects

FUNGUS INFECTION AND DAMAGE	WATER STAINS IN ATTIC
THERMAL INFRARED IMAGING	DRY WOOD TERMITE DROPPINGS
DRY-WOOD TERMITE DAMAGE	DRY-WOOD TERMITE DAMAGE

Subterranean Termites:

Subterranean termites live in the ground. They forage for wood buried beneath or in contact with the soil. They can also reach above ground using mud tubes that protect them from predators. They can not eat through concrete, however they can gain access to a structure through cracks in the concrete. A Fumigations Will not control them because the fumigant gas does not reach into the soil. Control can be obtained by placing a chemical barrier on the soil.

Drywood Termites:

Drywood termites live in dry wood. One of the common symptoms of drywood termite attack is the accumulation of tiny, straw-colored fecal pellets. These pellets are ejected from the wood. Dry-wood termite Colonies are relatively small (fewer than 3,000 5,000 individuals). They can be Controled by hole house fumigation or a number of localized treatments.

Dampwood Termites:

This type of termite only infests wood with a high moisture content. Dampwood termites are commonly found in logs, stumps, dead trees and damp or decaying wood. Infestation in structures usually occurs where wood is in contact with the ground or in areas where there is a plumbing leak or moisture problem. Dampwood termites are larger in size then subterranean and drywood termites. Control can be obtained by treatment and eliminating the damp wood and moisture problem.

Termite Swarms:

During the spring and fall mature termite colonies will reproduce. This is done by sending out hundreds of reproductive termites. When the time is right they will all leave the colony through an exit hole. If uninterrupted this could take place within a few hours and would not happen again until the next year. If you see hundreds of flying bugs in your home, it maybe a sign of an infestation. Termites aren’t capable of a long sustained flight you may see them fluttering around the ground or just walking about. They rely on the wind to carry them to their new home. After their maiden fight they shed their wings, so the presence of hundreds of wings is also a sign of an infestation.