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Wood rot

Wood rot and your home.

Wood rot = wood decaying fungus as a type of fungus that digests wet/moist wood causing it to rot. Often times the mere correction of the wood is enough to salvage the wood. Is the wood in contact with the dirt? Is there a water leak and the wood is getting wet or staying wet for extended periods of time? Obviously if you see a fungus growing in the wood, it would be a dead giveaway (in the picture above). If you’ve read any of my blogs you know that I highly recommend performing a monthly home inspection. What should the homeowner look for?

Any water leaks, no matter how insignificant should be investigated.
Lingering moisture around the foundation of your home, correct sprinklers and/or flood irrigation.
Some times bushes can hold the water close to the house, avoid vines.
Inspect window sills, door frames and underneath sinks.
Painting or resealing wood really helps to prevent the water from getting in.
Decks need to be checked often.
Roofs should be checked.
Caulking can also help, but make sure you’re not covering up a problem.

Problems and Issues

The key is to find the problems and issues before they become major catastrophes. An ounce of prevention may save you $1000s of dollars and a real headache. Homeowners can simply get screens fixed and may keep the bugs out and in the same way a simple fix of a gutter leak may save you hours of time to rebuild a section of your house. Did you know that its usually a moisture content of over 20% that causes the problem, and I know you’re thinking we don’t have that kind of moisture in Arizona. Remember that thing we call monsoon? That fungus really needs good temps, oxygen and a food source and that could be your home.

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Water can cause a problem

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Water rot

Water in wood can become an issue within a home or structure. No fungus among us, why yes there is. That little bit of moisture can cause a few problems if not caught in time. Notice the wood splitting and since there is enough moisture the fungus can grow. What if the house has a pipe leaking or rain enters the house, it will take the path of least resistance, so always conduct a thorough investigation if you notice something like wood damage or wood splitting. As it meets the ground it might also continue to wash away any termiticide that was there. So termites might be on the way next.

Fungus among us

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fungus

Fungus – Not always something you see in Arizona, fungus growing on the side of a foundation slab of a house. If weather conditions exist then it is possible for fungi to grow and it only matters on location and the amount of water present.

So keep an eye on your property and if these conditions are present it is time to evaluate and access the how and the why?

Hey baby I smell good – would you follow me?

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For many years researchers have used pheromones to lure insects into glue boards or catch devices. They are really isolating these chemicals that are found in the specific insects used for mating purposes. What the guys don’t know is that its a trap. “Female Asian Longhorned Beetles pheromone may be key to pest management” Caution sex pictures when you click that link… made you look.

The researchers found that when the proper ratio and amount of pheromone is produced by females and deposited on the surface where they walk, signaling that they are fertile, males come.

So some type of fungus, trap or glue-board could be used to kill males or females and this could possibly help to control certain beetles which damage trees. Science is producing some great and innovative ways to combat certain pests.

A little hiking tour in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona.

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I’m a bug guy so hiking with me is an adventure in looking at the little stuff, sometimes we tend to only look ahead but not me. I’m the guy that stops to investigate a lone ant , or maybe something lurking behind a leaf like this Assassin Bug . I also tend to investigate wood rot and fungus or something like this .

So as you are out hiking don’t forget the small stuff.

What can you find in your foundation slab?

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What can you find in your foundation slab?

This is the stuff that makes a termite treater go crazy, you never know what the construction crew left behind.

Water damage to your wood home.

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Water damage can occur and ruin your wood home.

water damage

Water can be the life blood or it can even cause issues with the way we build homes in the way it causes water damage. When flashing on a roof allows water to seep in, the wood gets wet and then dries. Chimneys are often the cause if incorrectly fitted with flashing. This interaction causes brown cubicle rot, this rot looks like a wood burnt piece of wood. It is really important to understand this action and take precautions against it. When water does enter a home it takes the path of least resistance and often follows a path straight down. This often causes the water to seep through the termiticide in the ground and could allow termites to enter that area. The more water through a termiticide barrier, breaks down the termiticide and may allow termites into the structure.

This fungus also would generally fail a (WDIIR) Wood Destroying Insect Infestation Report, bear in mind that this report doesn’t get into a lengthy discussion on water and fungus but typically relates to termites and other insects. Letting mold grow unchecked in your home can have negative consequences both for your checkbook and your health. Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants. Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return. Typically in Arizona we don’t have to worry about moisture levels but if there is a water leak it needs to corrected immediately. Just remember mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors. As always if you find that you have wood rot please give us a call at 480-831-9328 ProBest Pest Management.

Wood to ground is always bad………………

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Wood to ground is always bad………………

Not only do termites love to eat wood but water is also the enemy to wood. Wood will wick up water whenever in contact with dirt, soil or the ground. So its not just about the termites its also an agent to allow water into the structure.

The picture below still allows water to wick up after resting on top of the cement. I also consider this to be faulty grade because I can’t see the stem wall or at least inaccessible access.

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Wood rot and your home.

Problems and Issues