Wood is a biological material. If protected from moisture and insect attack, it can last for centuries. When wood is not properly protected, however, it will succumb to biological processes that decompose wood: insects that eat the wood or fungi that cause rot and decay. The most damaging insects that attack structural wood are termites. Their activity results in damage and control costs that exceed $1.5 billion per year nationally. Beetles are the next important group of insects that attack wood, while bees, wasps and ants are third in importance, depending on geographical location. Wood-inhabiting fungi are another group of organisms that occasionally cause problems.
Some insects develop by a process known as complete metamorphosis. The insect egg hatches into a larva that then molts several times before becoming a pupa, which finally molts into an adult. In this type of metamorphosis, the larval and pupal stages look and behave much differently than the adult. Examples of insects with complete metamorphosis include ants, bees and beetles. Insects are cold-blooded, so their body temperature very closely follows the temperature to which they are exposed. Their development rate slows considerably in cold conditions. During the winter, many insects become inactive and hibernate in a protected site so they can survive the cold.
Termites are primitive insects belonging to an order of insects known as Isoptera, which means “equal wings.” This refers to the fact that both pairs of wings on the winged forms (called alates or swarmers) are of equal size and shape. Termites are thought by some to be closely related to cockroaches, but they are different from almost all other insects because they can convert the cellulose of wood into starches and sugar to use for nutrition.
Termite control represents a major portion of pest control work. No other type of pest control involves as many variables that affect the work to be done or the results obtained. Technicians involved in termite control must have a thorough understanding of the biology and unique habits of the termites, including their food, and moisture and temperature requirements. Technicians must also have knowledge of building construction, as well as the equipment, chemicals and safety precautions involved in termite control.
Many people confuse the winged primary reproductive termite with flying ants, which can also be found swarming near structures. Termites can be distinguished from ants by comparing their physical characteristics. It is very important that the inspector recognize the differences between termite swarmers and ant swarmers. Winged termites are often mistaken for winged (alate) ants because they have a somewhat similar appearance. However, these insects can be readily distinguished from each other by differences in their antennae, body shape and wings. Winged termites (alates) have straight antennae, whereas ants have distinctly elbowed antennae. Termites are soft-bodied and the abdomen is broadly joined to the thorax, whereas ants are hard-bodied and they appear to have a pinched “waist” at the junction of the thorax and abdomen. Termites and ants both have two pairs of wings, but termites have wings of equal length, whereas ants have larger front wings than hind wings. Winged ants do not readily shed their wings after flight, but termites do.
The carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.) hollows out wood to create nests called galleries. Though they do not eat the wood, the boring activity canlead to structural damage in wood components. The by-product of the boring is called frass and looks similar to sawdust or pencil shavings. Frass is the most common evidence of carpenter ant infestation.
Having your home inspected by the Barrie Home Inspector can help identify potential infestation by insects. This will allow you to have them professionally exterminated prior to major structural damage occurring. The major importance of having a Professional Home Inspection are important when purchasing a new Real Estate property is the Peace of Mind of knowing the condition of the property.
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