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Wood Destroying

Organism Report

This report is prepared by a state certified inspector as Wood patio built directly onto the soil:
evidence of the existence or absence of wood destroying Correct this condition by making certain that no part of the patio
organisms or pests which were visible and accessible on construction is in direct contact with the house.
the date the inspection was made. In almost every instance
when our office receives a request for an inspection the Railroad ties or other wood used to form a plant-
caller refers to it as a “termite inspection.” This indicates that er is touching the house:
almost everyone believes that the inspections are limited Correct this condition by making certain that no part of the patio
to inspecting for signs of termite activity. This conception is construction is in direct contact with the house.
only partially correct.
2. Excessive Cellulose Debris
In addition to looking for subterranean termites, the inspec- Overgrown dried grass or dried landscape cuttings along the
tor is looking for signs of activity from other wood destroy- stem wall can attract termites. You can correct this condition
ing organisms such as: by cutting all of the dried grass away from the stem wall of the
house and raking the landscape cuttings away from the stem
• Dry wood termites wall.
• Carpenter ants
• Carpenter bees 3. Faulty Grades
• Wood destroying fungus While inspecting the exterior of your house make certain that
all drainage off the roof is able to flow away from the structure.
In preparing your house for this inspection the homeowner Check all soil elevation around the structure to be sure that water
can do certain things that will save money and ensure a can flow away from the stem wall. If you find conditions that
clean report at the time of the initial inspection. Check your allow water to accumulate and stand along the stem wall you
house for conditions conducive to infesta-tion as these con- must correct it.
ditions are easy to spot and in most instances are simple to
correct. Walk around the exterior of your house and check You can correct this condition by grading the soil to allow the
for these conditions: water to flow away from the house or filling in soil to a grade
that allows for the flow of water away from the stem wall. If you
1. Wood to Earth Contact must fill in soil be sure that you do not raise the soil level above
If you have a wood fence around your yard, does any por- the stem wall.
tion of the wood fence or wood gate come in contact with
the house and the soil abutting the house? If this condition 4. Excessive Moisture
exists you can correct it by either: While inspecting your house (interior and exterior) check for
water leaks from:
• Digging the soil away from the wood that
is in contact with the house • Showers
• Cutting the wood so that you have relieved • Through your roof
the contact with the soil • Outside faucets
• Placing a piece of sheet metal between
the structure and the wood in contact with Leaking drainage outlets from your cooling systems often leak
the soil directly on to the soil abutting the house keeping the soil con-
• Trenching around the base of the board stantly wet.
to relieve all contact with the soil and fill
ing the trench with concrete You can correct this condition by extending the draining outlet
by adding plastic piping allowing it to drain away from the
Concrete form boards on trellises in the soil and in contact house.
with the house: Correct this condition by removing the trel-
lises and the form boards. Correct these conditions by stopping the leaks that provide the
termites with a moisture source. Most of these conditions are
Patio posts in the soil: easy to spot and inexpensive to correct. Be a smart seller and
Correct this condition by trenching the soil around the base address these conditions before your house is in escrow. If you
of each post to relieve all soil contact and fill the trench with aren’t certain about the condition of your property seek the
concrete. assistance of a State Certified Pest Inspector to assist you.

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