Metro Guard Termite Inspection

3. Wood Destroying Insect Reports (WDI):
This inspection is "formal" and requires a report signed by a licensed termite professional. This report is typically required by a lending institution when a house is being purchased.

Wood Destroying Insect reports cover any wood destroying insect such as carpenter ants, powder post beatles, carpenter bees and old house borers. The cost of this report can vary based on the foundation type. If a WDI report is required when purchasing a home, the buyer typically pays the cost. Any wood destroying insects or conducive conditions listed in the report will require correction by most lenders or purchasers.

• Termite Swarmers (alive or dead):
  Termite swarmers inside the home are a good indication of infestation. Swarmers typically fly in the spring. See the Termite page for pictures and information.

• Termite workers (alive or dead):
  If you are remodeling and find live insects in the walls check the picture on the Termite page to see if they look like termites.

• Mud Tubes:
  Termites build tubes to travel in so that they can stay protected from the elements. Pictures of a mud tube are shown below. Do not confuse mud dobber (wasp) nest with termite tubes. Mud dobbers use mud but will leave an exit hole. Their nests will also be filled with dead spiders or other insects.

• Dirt or Mud "piles" on walls:
  Termites will leave small stacks of dirt on walls or wood. If you see a small tube like pile of dirt or mud in a corner or on a flat wall, you may have termites.

• Damage to wood:
  Check door moldings and floor moldings for damage. Look for wood that has galleries or paths cleared through it. Carpenter ants will damage wood also, although their galleries are clear of dirt and mud.

• Soft wood:
  Termites eat wood and cause it to become soft and weak. If you tap wood with a screwdriver and find it to be soft you should investigate further.

• Damage to wallpaper:
  Termites make small "pin hole" like holes when they start eating wallpaper. They also eat the backing from the paper so look for paper that has a thin appearance.

• cracks in your foundation
• openings in the foundation for plumbing
• wood from the structure touching the ground
• termites build tubes & crawl up foundation sides

1. Check the entire foundation for mud tubes: Termites need moisture and protection from the elements. They build mud tubes as "transfer tunnels" to move through open spaces (they also drag mud into wood that they have infested). Walk around your entire foundation looking for mud tubes. The below pictures show a standard side yard where our technician found a mud tube:

2. Look up at the eaves & gutters: As you walk around the foundation of your home look up at the eaves and gutters. Termites are not scared of heights. You may find mud tubes in corners.

3. Check every room inside: Termites will create mud tubes inside as well. Check walls and ceilings for brown dirt. Termites will leave stacks of dirt on walls and ceilings. Check wallpaper for "pin hole" like damage and look for discoloration or "thinness" as if the backing has been removed.

5. Look very carefully under sinks: Check under your kitchen sink or wet bar sink the same as you did the bathroom. Again, you're looking for mud tubes, dirt or signs of damage.

6. Check around the hot water heater: A favorite spot for termites. Hot water tanks that are in small closets provide excellent warmth and moisture and are rarely undisturbed. The plumbing typically provides the access. Use your flashlight to look all around your hot water heater.

7. Check supports & beams in attic: The attic is a difficult place to do a thorough check because of insulation and inaccessible areas. Do your best to check beams and decking for termite tubes or damage. Use your flashlight to look high and low.

8. Check the entire garage: Termites will attack your garage, or start in your garage and work their way to your home. We find termites in garages quite often, therefore we recommend a complete search. Detach garages should be reviewed also. Check around the walls for signs of dirt or mud. Check for tubes both inside and out.

9. Check closets: Closets provide the dark areas that termites like. Be sure not to skip closets while doing your inspection. Termites can easily navigate your stuff so a full undisturbed closet is attractive to these pests.

• Inside walls
• Under insulation in attic
• Crawl spaces too small for entry
• Behind certain appliances (dishwasher)