Pests & Wood-Destroying Organisms.
Pests do more than annoy — wood-destroying insects and rodents can quietly cause real structural and health problems. Here’s the evidence we look for and how to keep critters out.
What we check during an inspection
We note visible evidence and conducive conditions. A full wood-destroying-organism (WDO) report is a specialist service.
✓ Insect evidence
Signs of termites or carpenter ants — mud tubes, frass, or damaged wood — where visible.
✓ Rodent evidence
Droppings, nests, and gnawing in attics, crawlspaces, and along the structure.
✓ Conducive conditions
Wood-to-soil contact, moisture, and debris that invite pests.
✓ Entry points
Gaps, unscreened vents, and utility penetrations that let pests in.
✓ Compromised wood
Wood that looks damaged or sounds hollow in accessible areas.
✓ Moisture overlap
Because moisture attracts pests, we connect the two where we see them.
Common problems we find
✓ Wood-to-soil contact
Framing, siding, or posts touching soil — an open invitation to termites and rot.
✓ Insect damage
Carpenter ant or termite damage discovered in framing.
✓ Rodents above & below
Activity in attics and crawlspaces that ruins insulation and leaves droppings.
✓ Open entry points
Unsealed penetrations and gaps around the foundation.
✓ Debris against the house
Firewood and mulch piled against the foundation.
✓ Moisture magnets
Damp areas drawing pests in.
What you can maintain yourself
✓ Move wood & mulch away
Keep firewood and heavy mulch off the foundation.
✓ Seal entry points
Close gaps around pipes, vents, and the foundation, and screen vents.
✓ Eliminate moisture
Fix damp areas — moisture is the number-one pest attractant.
✓ Trim vegetation
Keep plants and branches off the house.
✓ Store food & trash securely
Deny easy meals and watch for droppings.
✓ Call a pro for evidence
Signs of termites or persistent rodents warrant a licensed pest professional or a WDO inspection.
This guide is for general education. It reflects what we look for during a home inspection, not a substitute for a licensed professional. If you have a specific concern, please contact a licensed pest control professional — and of course, we’re always happy to take a look during an inspection.
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Read →Concerned about your pests & wood-destroying organisms?
We’ll give your home a thorough, plain-English inspection and flag anything worth a closer look.