Identifying and Managing Wood Destroying Insects in Southern NH & Northern
In Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts, wood destroying insects pose significant threats to homes and structures by compromising the integrity of wooden elements. These pests, including termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees, can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Understanding the signs of infestation and the behaviors of these insects is crucial for effective management and prevention.
Termites: Silent Destroyers
Termites are often referred to as “silent destroyers” because they consume wood from the inside out, often going undetected until significant damage has occurred. In Southern NH and Northern MA, subterranean termites are the most common type. They live in colonies underground and create mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. Indicators of termite activity include hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows or doors, and mud tubes on walls or foundations.
Termites: Silent Destroyers
Termites are often referred to as “silent destroyers” because they consume wood from the inside out, often going undetected until significant damage has occurred. In Southern NH and Northern MA, subterranean termites are the most common type. They live in colonies underground and create mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. Indicators of termite activity include hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows or doors, and mud tubes on walls or foundations.
Carpenter Ants: Large and Destructive
Carpenter ants are large black or red ants that excavate wood to create nests. Unlike termites, they do not consume wood but tunnel through it, causing structural damage over time. Common signs of carpenter ant infestation include piles of sawdust-like material known as frass, rustling noises within walls, and the presence of large ants, particularly during the evening when they are most active.
Powderpost Beetles: Tiny but Mighty
Powderpost beetles are small insects that can cause significant damage by laying eggs in cracks and crevices of wood. The larvae bore through wood, creating powder-like frass as they feed. Infestations are often identified by small, round exit holes on the surface of wood and the presence of fine wood powder near these openings.
Powderpost Beetles: Tiny but Mighty
Powderpost beetles are small insects that can cause significant damage by laying eggs in cracks and crevices of wood. The larvae bore through wood, creating powder-like frass as they feed. Infestations are often identified by small, round exit holes on the surface of wood and the presence of fine wood powder near these openings.
Carpenter Bees: Buzzing Wood Borers
Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but are solitary and less aggressive. They bore into wood to create nests for their larvae, often targeting eaves, decks, and other wooden structures. Over time, their tunneling can weaken wood and lead to structural issues. Signs of carpenter bee activity include perfectly round holes in wood and the presence of sawdust beneath these openings.
Our Wood Destroying Insects (WDI) Inspections Process
Cornerstone Pest Control has a team of experts ready to inspect any home for wood destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powder post beetles and other wood destroying insects. Buying, selling, or refinancing a house can be a stressful time but you can trust that Cornerstone Pest Control will inspect your home or future investment promptly and with the highest attention to detail. Wood destroying insects are important to identify and eliminate from any home to prevent them from causing structural damages.
After completing a thorough inspection of the home, we will provide you with a detailed wood destroying insect report. The report will help you determine the condition of the house and identify any areas of concern. It will also outline our recommendations and solutions to any problems we encounter. Choosing the right pest control company could potentially save you from structural repairs in the future, costing you thousands of dollars and stress. Whether you need a WDI for banking purposes or you are looking to make a future investment, you can be sure that Cornerstone Pest Control will provide you with a quality wood destroying insect inspection report that you can trust. For more information about our insect inspection services please contact our team.
Our Service Area
New Hampshire
Rockingham County, serving the towns of:
- Atkinson, Auburn, Brentwood, Candia, Chester, Danville, Deerfield, Derry, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, Londonderry, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, Newton, North Hampton, Northwood, Nottingham, Plaistow, Raymond, Rye, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, South Hampton, Stratham, Windham
Strafford County, serving the towns of:
Hillsborough County, serving the towns of:
Massachusetts
Middlesex County, serving the towns of:
Essex County, serving the towns of: