During a wood destroying insect/termite inspection you find a termite mud stain, what is it? Termites build shelter tubes and if someone knocks them down all that may appear is this stain. Some people will go so far as to wipe it away and pretend that everything will be OK.
A few facts:
- Termites don’t generally go away on their own.
- In many places you must disclose that to a new buyer.
- If their are no drill holes – then no termite was performed – refer to #1.
- It must be noted on the inspection form.
If you find something like this it is important to find a Professional Termite Company to lend you a hand.
Termites are one of those things that I’ll bet most people don’t ever think about. Over 5 billion dollars are spent on damage every year, so I think it is important. The Office of Pest Management offers this article on termites and Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report here in Arizona. If I was spending my hard earned money, I think I would like an opinion about something I may or may not know much about.
Thanks to Univar Environmental Solutions for the picture.
Have you ever watched someone do a termite inspection?
I’m somewhat set in my ways of doing a Termite Inspection, I always start at the door I walk in and I always go to my right. Now if someone interupts me, I go see what they want me to look at and then go back to my system. Generally speaking this prevents me from missing something and I’ll tell you that is very inportant in an inspection. One of the most important tool is my maglight, rechargeable and in the holder in my truck along with spare lightbulbs. So what else do I carry?
- Extra flashlight
- Knife
- Screwdrivers
- Mirror
- Coveralls
- Measuring wheel
- Camera
- Postcards or flyers from my company
- I think the most important tool is knowledge and I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before.
What else do you think we should I carry? Any ideas?
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.
So you’re a homeowner – some free advice from an EXPERT!
Don’t stack any wood against the home, termites, wood boring beetles and carpenter bees love wood.
If its dead termites love it!
See the sawdust on the right log = carpenter bees
National Real Estate Trends 
So as the World turns, these are the days of our lives…. So I’m sure everybody has heard those words from the TV show and I’m sure none of us thought this economy was going to be so terrible. This report explains the foreclosure forecast and I think it helps to give us some hope that things are on the mend – National Real Estate Trends report.
I also recommend you follow my personal Realtor’s home seal Sandi Nilson Sells Arizona, this will allow you to stay ahead of the curve on the Arizona housing market. Also please check Realtor Matthew Coates home seal @ http://livingchandler.com
Have you seen these? Termite tunnels or tubes.
So you’re walking around your home and you look down and see this thing made out of mud or dirt, what is it? These are subterranean mud shelter tubes or tunnels. It’s the super highway for termites, it protects them from air, sunlight and predators. Here is Arizona we have another termite (Gnathamitermes) and this subterranean termite often plasters fences, tree trucks and cactus.
