Wood Destroying Organisms

Wood Destroying Organisms are a group of pests that can cause significant structural damage and directly impact the structural integrity of a home. WDOs are an important part of the natural cycle of decay in forests and other natural areas to help break down cellulose from dead trees and other organic material, eventually returning this material to the soil where it is used by new growth. However, when they direct their attention to the wood of a home rather than a dying tree, this can lead to extensive problems. Left undetected and/or untreated, WDO's can create an expensive, hazardous situation. Damage from these organisms could result in devaluation of a property/structor or substantial costs for repairs.

What Are We Looking For?

Termites

Subterranean Termites are the most common found in the U.S. and most prevalent in the state of Ohio. Termites feed on materials that contain cellulose-such as wood.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants occurring in the U.S. Unlike Termites, they do not eat wood, instead they excavate galleries to create nest sites

Other Pests

Carpenter Bees

Powderpost Beetles

Bark Beetles

Ambrosia Beetles

Horntail Wasps

Wharf borer

Wood-Dest. Fungi

Why Choose 4 Corners Home Inspection??

Free WDO Inspection with purchase of home inspection (online only).
Trained and certified by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to inspect for Wood Destroying Organisms.
Utilize the NMPA-33 2020, required by the state, for our reporting.
Continue to meet the requirements set forth by the state in regards to continue education and policies.
Fully licensed, certified, and insured.

How Do I avoid WDO's From Invading My Home?

Remove all wood debris from around the exterior of the home and inside the crawlspace.
Keep a minimum 6 to 8 inch clearance between the siding and the soil.
Keep foundation vents open and crawlspaces well ventilated to lower wood moisture content.
Do not have untreated wood in contact with the soil on the exterior and in the crawlspace.
Remove dead or dying trees from around the home.