What is the inspection process for identifying wood-destroying pests?

The inspection process for identifying wood-destroying pests primarily involves visual inspection for damage, signs of activity, and moisture issues. This approach is effective because many wood-destroying pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood borers, leave visible signs of their presence, which include:

• Damage to wood structures, which may appear as holes, frass (wood shavings or pellets), and discoloration.

• Signs of activity like mud tubes created by termites or pathways chewed by carpenter ants.

• Moisture issues, which can attract wood-destroying pests and indicate conducive conditions for infestation.

By visually examining these factors, pest control professionals can assess the extent of damage and the likelihood of active infestations. This method is often the foundation for further inspection techniques, such as using moisture meters or traps, but it begins with a thorough visual investigation.