Termite Season

Did you know there is a single type of insect that causes billions of dollars in damage each year? 

The same insect is also the most destructive insect of wood in the USA.

This insect, in large groups, can have a severe impact on your home.

You’re probably wondering what this horrid insect is, and what can be done to keep it away from your home. Well, keep reading…

The Answer: Subterranean Termites

Termite Season

Unfortunately, termites live everywhere! Two major types of subterranean termites are the native subterranean termite, and Formosan subterranean termite. The native subterranean termites are widely distributed, while the Formosan subterranean termites travel well! They can hitch rides on timbers, wooden pallets, and mulch. 

Subterranean termites live in colonies, they’re social insects. Their homes are in the soil. After a subterranean termite colony is mature, about 2-4 years, they produce swarmers. Swarmers are winged primary reproductives. During the spring and early summer swarmers leave the colony. Heat, light and moisture can trigger the swarmers to leave the colony. Once they’ve left the colony they find partners, mate, and begin the entire cycle again. 

Prevention 

1.  When building a structure make sure the soil grade slopes away from the structure, in all directions.
2.  Deny termites' access to shelter, moisture and wood, which equals termite food.
3. Since termites live in the soil, try to eliminate wood to soil contact.  For example, instead of placing fence posts in the soil, place them on bricks or concrete.
4. Pressure treat wood that is exposed to rain.     

Management

1.  Call us! You will want a professional to inspect your home for termites. We will do the following:   

               a.    Examine the foundation of the building, i.e: your house, garage, shed, etc.
               b.   Check gutters and roof eaves
               c.   Check the areas around fences, outdoor stairs, etc.
               d.    Check wooden areas around pools.
               e.    Check wooden floors, for cracks or raised areas.

Call Houston Inspections, and we can schedule a time to come to your home and complete a termite inspection!  

Resource:

https://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publications/epubs/e-368.cfm

 

Thermal Imaging

 What is thermal imaging?

“Also called thermography or thermal video, is the means by which humans may see in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Since every object gives off some amount of thermal radiation, thermal imaging is ideal for observing a scene in conditions of extreme darkness or when obscured by smoke, fog, rain, or snow. Some types of night vision use thermal imaging, and thermal imaging is considered the best form of night vision, as it can reveal objects in the blackest of nights. Thermal imaging is used widely in security, the military, navigation, surveillance, firefighting, industry, medicine, and science” 

(http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-thermal-imaging.htm).

You’re probably wondering why a home inspection company is talking about thermal imaging. Well, here’s the deal, we use it! As a home inspector we use thermal imaging to show home owners things in their home that can’t be seen with the naked eye. 

Below is a list of the things that thermal imaging can help home inspectors, and home owners to see:

1.       Evaluate the electrical equipment in the property, which will show if overheating is an issue.

2.       Detect hidden water penetrations from roof and plumbing leaks.

3.       Wood damage caused by insects.

4.       Damage and rot in stucco.

Call Houston Inspections today at (713) 408-1129 for more information!

Resources:

http://www.nachi.org/ir-reports.htm

http://www.byershomeinspections.com/thermalimageinspection.html

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