Wood destroying insects...

Termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles and carpenter bees are wood destroying insects that can do massive damage to a home and greatly impact its value.

One of the most invasive of these insects is the subterranean termite In humid areas where termites are more of a problem, it’s not unusual to find a home that has been virtually hollowed out, their wood siding turning to dust at a touch. 

There are many steps you can take towards preventing infestation if you know what termites are looking for. Termites are ground insects that look for habitats that provide food, moisture and shelter close to the ground. Any moist place where wood meets ground. Correcting this situation may require re-grading to separate soil from any wood. Since mulch and many other landscaping materials cause the soil to remain moist, you should make sure to minimize mulching around your foundation. Some experts recommend mulching no closer than a foot from your home’s foundation. You should also stack your firewood away from your home. You should also make sure to eliminate any moisture problems in and around your home, especially in basements and crawlspaces.

It takes an expert to detect termite damage. Home inspections do not include a termite inspection so it is highly recommended that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection. Aggressive inspectors are licensed in New Jersey to perform these inspections.