What the consumer should know about wood destroying insect infestation reports. (Required for FHA loans and some real estate transactions)

Read the questions below to learn more about Wood Destroying Insect Inspections.

WHAT IS A WDI INSPECTION?
A wood destroying insect (WDI) inspection is performed to determine if visible evidence of wood inhabiting insects are present as a condition of certain real estate transfers. In Kansas & Missouri HUD/FHA secured mortgages are the most common transaction to require WDI inspections.
HUD requires that a qualified representative holding a state issued pest management license must perform WDI inspection. All visible areas of the structure which are readily accessible at the time of inspection are covered. If evidence of an infestation is found it is reported on a HUD specified form. A typical WDI home inspection requires less than an hour to complete and is normally ordered by the purchaser.

DOES THE REPORT GUARANTEE THERE IS NO INFESTATION?
No guarantee is made! It is important to understand that the WDI report provides the findings of our licensed pest management inspector based on visible evidence in readily accessible areas of the structure. Some areas cannot be seen such as inside walls, under carpeting or behind insulation. Other areas may be inaccessible for observation such as low crawl spaces and cramped attics. The possibility exists that an infestation may remain undetected in such areas. Obstructed and inaccessible areas of the structure which prevent or limit observation are identified in the WDI report.

WHAT IF EVIDENCE OF INFESTATION IS FOUND?
When evidence of wood destroying insect infestation is found it is identified in the report. Evidence which appears to be active requires treatment to eliminate the infestation as a condition of closing the transaction. Augustine Exterminators, Inc. offers corrective treatments for wood destroying insects. A proposal to eliminate such infestations will be provided at your request in order to expedite the closing process. Warranty and continuing preventative maintenance programs will be made available to the purchaser as applicable to the particular pest situation.

WHAT IF DAMAGE FROM WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS IS OBSERVED?
Structural damage caused by wood destroying insects is an alarming term. Damage may be superficial or it may be extensive. Augustine Exterminators' expertise is in detecting and identifying pest activity. Our professional pest management inspectors are not qualified to determine if the structural integrity of a building has been affected. In cases of structural damage, we suggest a qualified building contractor be contacted for their professional opinion.

EXAMPLES OF WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS.

TERMITES - are common in our area and do occur in most regions. Evidence is most often found in the form of mud tubes on or in wooden structures such as floor joists, sill plates, wall studs and rafters.

POWDER POST BEETLES - are a common pest in this region. Often found in damp crawl spaces, old damp basements and in barns. Evidence is usually noted in the form of very small holes with a fine powdery sawdust streaming from them.

CARPENTER ANTS - are a very common pest in this region. Evidence may be noticed as coarse sawdust (frass) coming from behind siding, along sill plates, around window and door frames and in attics. Insect parts in the frass is a sign of carpenter ant activity. Dead carpenter ants are often found in spider webs which is a sign of activity.

CARPENTER BEES - are an increasingly common pest in this region. Carpenter bees routinely chew round half inch holes into wooden fascia boards, window and door frames, and even into treated deck wood. Typically coarse grain, unpainted wood is most susceptible to attack.

HOW TO ORDER A WDI INSPECTION

Current Most Active Pests: Rodents
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Start with the outside - your yard, garden and other structures.  Are they neat and clean? Trash and weeds cleaned up?  Shrubbery properly trimmed?  Firewood stored off of the ground and away from the buildings?  Next, carefully examine the exterior of the house.  Caulk, caulk and then do some more caulking.  Keep in mind that a mouse can enter any opening through which you can poke a lead pencil.  Young rats can enter any opening the diameter of a 25¢ coin.

If you live or operate a business in a neighborhood with prevalent rodent problems, out-of-door baiting may be necessary.  If that is the case, remember that bait placements should only be made in sealed and securely anchored bait stations.  Please understand that a brick on top of the bait station is not a secure placement. In any situation you are better off calling Augustine Exterminators, Inc.  Remember, pest exclusion goes hand in hand with energy savings.  Caulking may not be free, but it will certainly beat outrageous heating bills.  Pest exclusion may not qualify for a tax rebate, but you may well find a dividend in your next utility bill.

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