What is a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (WDI) Report?

Damaged wood from termites in Baton Rouge LA home - Dugas Pest ControlWhen selling a home, it is essential that a number of checks are carried out. These include structural, electrical, and plumbing. With termites found in almost all US states, checking for these insects is also highly recommended, especially as some lending institutions require this before giving a mortgage to a potential buyer. For this reason, it is best to have a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report, also known as a WDI Report, filed on a property. When you have a WDI inspection, you can ensure a professional termite control company will enlist an expert to look for all signs of active or past termite activity in a property. Read on to learn all you need to know with the termite experts at Dugas Pest Control.

What is a WDIR?

A wood-destroying insect inspection report is conducted by a registered pest control company. It is written up after a thorough search through a home for either the absence or presence of wood-destroying insects such as termites. Whether you are buying or selling a home, it is an essential document for all homeowners.

1. How is the WDI inspection performed?

The termite inspection is performed visually. Here, a pest control company will check all the areas that are easily accessible to them, particularly major structural points within the building. Special attention is paid to areas that are vulnerable to attack from these insects. The contractor will look for past or present evidence of activity. This can be found in the structures themselves or wood debris left by the insects.

2. What is inspected during a WDIR?

Any permanently attached wooden structures such as decks or porches are included in the search but detached structures are not. Certain areas are regarded as inaccessible that would require any dismantling of the house. These include the inside of walls or beneath carpets or floor coverings. If these are to be inspected, the customer will need to provide access—lifting up carpets for example—and an additional fee might be charged.

3. What are the results of a WDI report?

The WDIR must include information on either the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects. This includes either finding these insects (dead or alive) or evidence that they have been at work in the structure of the home (wood debris left behind).

Although termites are the most common insects found, the report also includes powderpost beetles, old house borers, carpenter ants, as well as carpenter bees. Note, a WDIR will never act as a warranty to the fact that the insects aren’t present. Nonetheless, it is a good preventative measure.

Wood Destroying Insect Inspections in Baton Rouge LA

Although not a requirement in many cases, a WDIR should be something that is carefully considered by the realtor as well as the seller and buyer of any property to ensure the home is not infested with wood-destroying insects. Considering the fact that termites are one of the most common—and dangerous—pests in our region, it is also recommended to invest in a report. Contact Dugas Pest Control for more information on procuring a WDIR today!

Do Bees Hibernate in the Winter?

Winter bee hive in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest ControlIn Louisiana, bees are one of the most active insects in the spring and summer. All types of bees are essential to our ecosystem due to the fact that they are pollinators. During the warmer months of the year, they are found in abundance in our gardens, parks, and neighborhoods. But what happens to bees when colder temperatures start to sneak in during the winter? Many bees will die off, while some actually go into an overwintering state similar to hibernation.

The experts at Dugas Pest Control are here to share everything you need to know about bees and hibernation in the winter.

Winter Bee Activity in Louisiana

Bee activity peaks in the late summer and lingers through the fall depending on the weather. Bees are less likely to be active when the temperature drops below 50°F. The three most common bees in the winter all react to cold temperatures differently:

  1. Bumblebees: All bumblebees in a colony except the queen will die if temperatures become too cold. The queen bees will hibernate, or overwinter, by digging small holes in the dirt.
  2. Carpenter bees: These wood-destroying bees can remain dormant through the winter in their nests. During the winter months, young carpenter bees that hatched in the summer will hibernate in their nests. During the summer, older bees will die after larvae are laid.
  3. Honey bees: For honey bees to survive the winter, they must have a robust population with a secure hive and a large store of honey. Male honey bees die off, leaving the female bees to crowd tightly together in their hive with the queen in the middle. The female worker bees will vibrate and shiver around the queen bee, keeping alive until warmer days return.

How to Prevent Winter Bee Problems

You don’t have to worry about an infestation during the winter, but it’s a great time to start preparing for the coming months. Simple pest prevention methods can go a long way to keep bees and other insects out in the spring and summer. Seal cracks and crevices around the exterior of your house to prevent pests from entering. Consider planting your garden away from the perimeter of your property, or only growing non-flowering shrubs. Fit your windows and doors with tight-fitting screens, and make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids. Lastly, keep your yard tidy and fill in any holes left by animals to eliminate nesting spots for bees or wasps.

Looking For Safe Bee Removal in Baton Rouge?

A local bee control expert should be contacted if you have bee problems at any time of year. Our team will identify potential nesting sites on your property or areas where stinging insects may spend the winter. As spring and summer approach, we can also prepare you for pests. Contact us today to get started!