Introduction to Wood Destroying Insects

© 2008, Kenton Shepard

This section is intended to teach home inspectors to recognize signs of insect infestation so that they can recommend inspection by a qualified specialist; this section will not qualify inspectors to perform inspections for wood destroying insects. Qualification may vary by state or other jurisdiction.  Inspectors without special qualifications should disclaim wood-destroying insect infestation according to the recommendations of their attorney.

Five different insects attack wood in the logs of log homes.

• Subterranean termites
• Drywood termites
• Wood-boring beetles
• Carpenter ants
• Carpenter bees