| There are 3 different types of living creatures that can be real pests for a hardwood floor. Since a hardwood floor is a considerable investment, it’s wise to be aware of these perils and take action should one find evidence of their existence.The EPA estimates that more than 2 billion dollars is spent annually treating wood-damaging pests. As real estate agents you are familiar with one of these buggers, the dreaded termite! They can do so much damage to a house that looking for them is a key component of a home inspection. But there are two other wood-damaging pests that we will look at as well. Here I will tell you what evidence to look out for so you and your clients can protect your investment. |
| Termites – Termites are the most destructive pest when it comes to wood damage. They eat wood, and their bodies convert the wood fiber into sugar. In only a few years, a colony of subterranean termites can destroy the entire structure of a house. And because they eat wood from the inside out, their damage isn’t immediately noticeable, and it can sometimes take quite awhile for a homeowner to even notice their presence. This compromises the structural integrity of wood until there’s nothing of substance left in it. It’s important to get your hardwood inspected for termites regularly so that you can prevent impending damage while there’s still time. Signs of termite damage include hollow-sounding wood, buckling floors, and visible tunnels or galleries in the wood. Also, if you notice any swarms of winged insects indoors, discarded wings, or pencil-thin mud tubes on exterior walls, you most likely have a termite problem. |
| Powderpost Beetles – These are wood-boring insects that damage both hardwoods and softwoods. Their damage to hardwood flooring happens when their larvae bore into the wood through surface cracks. First, the adult beetle lays its eggs on the wood surface, then the larva bores through. The holes are created when the adult beetle emerges from its underground “womb”, and they can also cause a lot of damage from within the flooring, too. They can bore a million holes in the wooden mass and also weaken the flooring from within. Signs of powder post beetle damage include small holes in the wood, fine sawdust or “frass” around the holes, and weakened or crumbly wood. |
| Carpenter ants These ants are often mistaken for termites, but they do not eat wood. Instead, they burrow into it to create nests. While they do not cause as much damage as termites or powderpost beetles, they can still weaken the wood and cause it to become structurally unsound. Signs of carpenter ant damage include small holes in the wood, sawdust or debris around the holes, and rustling or tapping sounds coming from the walls or floors. Please pass this info on to your clients so they know what to look out for! Wood is too good to let it be ruined by these buggers. But in the event that you have a client that wants to address some existing damage, or needs a different kind of hardwood flooring service, you know where to send them! |