Two Types: Subterranean and Dry-Wood Termites

Subterranean Termites are found in every state except Alaska, and they usually nest below ground level. They enter the house from their nest to gather food and then return to the nest. They build shelter tubes (composed of soil, wood particles and termite excreta) along exterior foundation walls and interior wood members that serve as passageway for the termites to enter the house to gather the food supply (wood). The shelter tubes conserve moisture and protect termites from the light. The termites need damp and a dark atmosphere to survive. When subterranean termites eat wood, they cut galleries in the wood that run parallel to the grain. They eat wood members located mostly in dark and damp areas. The damage to the wood member is slow and may take few years before the member is completely destroyed.

****Inspections are for damages caused by termites. We do not search for termites.

Dry-wood Termites are mostly found in the South and Southwest. Dry-wood termites, as opposed to subterranean termites, build their nest in the wood framing members above ground and can establish their nest in the attic area or other parts of the house above ground.

For either type of termite, a structural engineer inspector can measure the amount of damage done to the wood member, and run calculations, to determine if the strength remaining in the wood member is adequate to support the design live loads. The treated wood, redwood, and cedar wood are resistant to termite attacks. When termites are discovered, they should be exterminated by professional exterminators using proper chemical treatment.

The cost to perform this inspection depends on the extent of damage present.