Pest Inspections
What are Wood-Destroying Insects?
One of the biggest threats to your home can come in the form of small pests such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and beetles. Often referred to as wood-destroying insects, these pests have an uncanny ability to launch silent attacks on the wood found in the rafters, windowsills, support beams, flooring and other structures used to ensure the stability of your greatest investment. Of all wood-destroying insects, termites are by far the most problematic insect in the United States.
What Does a Pest Inspector Check?
The inspector will review all accessible locations for signs of termite infestation and damage, both past and present. In addition to identifying activity, your inspector also will indicate areas in or around the home that can be conducive to termite activity.
A Starboard Pest Inspector looks for visible signs of infestation, including:
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wood damage
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mud tubes
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discarded wings
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exit holes
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droppings
The inspector will also look for moisture issues and wood-to-ground contact that can be conducive to pest activity. This can include standing water on the roof, pooling water around the foundation, wood mulch close to the foundation, and wooden deck supports that touch the soil.
What Areas do Pest Inspectors Inspect?
The pest inspector will focus on common entry points and hot spots for activity based on each species' unique behavior. For example, when looking for subterranean termite activity, the inspector will target the inside and outside perimeter of a home, including the lowest level of the house, foundation, basement, accessible attics and crawlspaces. If drywood termites are active in the area, the inspector will inspect exposed wood, hardwood floors, attics, crawlspaces and eaves, where accessible.
