Pest – WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms)
Termite, Carpenter Ant, Carpenter Bee, Powder Post Beetle
HomeCheck RI conducts WDO (wood destroying organism) inspections and is licenses in RI. Our ‘Pest’ inspection can by used to meet requirements for the NPMA-33 Pest Form for FHA and VA loans.
The Different Types of Wood Destroying Organisms
Not many know there are different types of wood destroying organisms—termites aren’t the only ones!
Powder Post Beetles
Powderpost beetles, a type of wood-boring beetle, can cause extensive damage to wood structures within your home. 
Each insect is capable of living up to a year and can up to 50 offspring per breeding cycle. Our wood boring beetle treatment can include either fumigation, thermal treatment, or topical borate treatment, depending on the extent of your infestation.
Carpenter Ants Vs. Termites
A lot of people frequently confuse termites and carpenter ants due to their similar size, but carpenter ants are another wood destroying organism. 
Here are a few ways to set them apart:
Appearance – Carpenter ants have a well-defined narrow waist, bent antennae, and have four wings of uneven length. Termites have no waist, straight antennae, and its four wings are of equal size – much longer than its body.
Behavior – Termites eat wood, and the galleries they create may have mud or soil inside. Carpenter ant 
galleries however, are clean and can almost appear as if the wood has been sanded. Carpenter ants do not actually eat the wood, but rather chew on it in order to create nesting areas.
Evidence – Drywood termite frass (their fecal pellets) resemble 
course sand, while Carpenter ant debris looks similar to pencil shavings.
Wood Destroying Organism Inspection for Real Estate
Are you a real estate agent or potential homebuyer and looking for a qualified wood destroying organism inspection company? HomeCheckRI is licensed to give you, your mortgage lender, or your real estate agent a wood destroying organism report—that way, you know beforehand what you’re getting into.
Our wood destroying organism report includes:
Our report will include identification of Wood destroying organisms, damage and locations – click here to download sample report (PDF).
It’s imperative to get a professional wood destroying organism inspection if you think you may have these insects in your home—even if you’re not selling or buying a home. Not only can they cause structural damage, dry rot, or fungus, but WDOs can potentially cause health issues as well.
The signs of wood destroying organisms in your home are:
Buckling or spongey-feeling wood on floors, porches/decks, walls, attic beams, etc.
A whiteish tint on wood.
Rotting wood / dry rot.
Developing mold.