Boston Area Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

Frequent Signs of Wood Destroying Insects

Most people struggle to identify the signs of WDIs in their home, which is why they can persist undetected for so long. WDIs are often found in areas of a home that are infrequently visited and dark, meaning they wouldn’t be discovered unless you notice issues with the home or accidentally discover evidence. If you suspect that WDI’s might be in your home, check for any of the following signs:

Distinct marks, damage, and other signs, allowing inspectors to determine what kind of wood-destroying insect has infested the home.

• Sagging or discolored drywall.
• Hollow-sounding walls when tapped.
• Small piles of wood particles that look like sawdust.
• Visible damage to wood floors.
• Buckling or broken floor joists.
• Tiny holes in wood throughout your home.

Signs of an active infestation:

• Insect droppings
• Visible swarms

A thorough WDI inspection is the quickest, easiest, and most accurate way to ensure whether or not there is an infestation.

What are the Most Common Wood Destroying Insects?

Termites: Termites will nest outside of your home, but they feed off cellulose-based plant materials. Termites break down the cellulose fibers found in wood for nutrition. They can eat the wood in your home for a long period before you’ll notice signs of damage.

Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants will excavate wood and form tunnels to nest. They mostly seek to nest in dead and damp wood.

Powder Post Beetles: Powder post beetles are beetles that lay their larvae in dry wood or lumber. The larvae feed on the wood for 1-5 years while they mature into adults. An infestation may not be noticeable for years after the first larvae hatch and begin to spread.

Carpenter Bees: Carpenter bees, unlike most other bees, do not live in colonies. They bore into wood structures through small circular holes to create tunnels for nesting. They are most commonly found in frames, eaves, shingles, or sides of wooden homes.

How to Get Rid of Wood Destroying Insects

Anytime there is evidence of wood destroying insects, it is best to consult a professional for a treatment plan. In some cases, it may be a minor issue that requires a relatively simple treatment. However, in many cases the infested area may be difficult to locate or reach, or the problem is significant enough to require professional assistance. Exterminators can help you control and eliminate an active infestation after the presence of WDI has been determined.

If the damage seems significant, a professional opinion can be sought if we believe the structure may be compromised. Eliminating an active infestation is required to prevent future damage because many types of WDI lay eggs in wood and the larvae will feed on the wood once born. This cycle perpetuates and exponentially increases the damage caused by an infestation.