WDI Inspection

Boston Area Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

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Protect Your Home and Prevent Further Damage from Wood Destroying Insects

Are you concerned that termites, carpenter ants or other insects might be causing damage to your current home or a home you’re considering buying? Getting a wood destroying insect (WDI) inspection is the best way to determine if your home is at risk of damage due to these pesky insects.

A WDI inspection is necessary for homebuyers who want to avoid discovering compromised wood after closing on a home and getting stuck with unforeseen repair and treatment costs. Wood destroying insect inspections can be completed alongside a routine buyer’s inspection, a reinspection or other services typically used in the course of purchasing a home.

The insects that cause the most damage to the wood in your home are termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and carpenter bees. These insects can be found throughout the greater Boston area and they can wreak havoc on older historical homes and new constructions alike.

man breaking down a door frame
worker spraying for bugs

Don’t leave yourself vulnerable!

A WDI inspection will give you:

  • Peace of mind that the property you are living in/buying doesn’t have an insect infestation.
  • The confidence that you will not have to pay for extensive repairs on compromised wood in your home.
  • The authority to hold the seller accountable for neglecting to resolve issues prior to the sale.
  • A report (Industry-Standard NPMA-33 form) to indicate insects or damage observed, and if treatment is needed.

A WDI inspection is an excellent way to proactively care for your property, preserving its value and structural integrity for future owners or generations. Our job is simply to determine if an infestation is present; not to sell an expensive treatment plan. This means that you can trust our professional, unbiased assessment.

Protect yourself and your investment by scheduling a WDI inspection today.

Wood Destroying Insects Inspection FAQs

How do I know if there are wood-destroying insects in my home?
How do wood destroying insects damage the home?
Which home loan(s) typically require a WDI Inspection?
a home inspector filling out home inspection forms

Boston Area WDI Inspection Pricing

See our full Pricing Guide for more information.

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.

Request Your Boston Area Wood Destroying Insects Inspection Today

We are available 7 days per week to conduct WDI inspections for your home. Schedule an inspection today to help protect your property and prevent further damage.

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