Wood Destroying Insects Control: Protecting Your Home's Structure
Wood-destroying insects (WDIs) are a serious and often silent threat to property owners in Indianapolis. These pests—like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powderpost beetles, and old house borers—do more than just annoy you; they actively burrow into and chew your wood structure. If left untreated, they can compromise the frame, siding, decks, and other key components of your home, leading to expensive repairs down the road.Why WDI Control Is Critical
Unlike general household pests, these insects require fast, targeted treatment. The signs of damage can be subtle, and homeowners often miss them until the problem is severe. Early identification is the only way to prevent costly, long-term structural damage.
Common Wood Destroying Pests We Handle:- Carpenter Ants: These ants don't eat wood; they chew it out to create smooth tunnels and galleries for nesting. Look for coarse sawdust (frass) near window sills or baseboards, and listen for faint, dry rustling sounds inside walls.
- Carpenter Bees: Large, solitary bees that drill perfectly round, half-inch holes into fascia boards, eaves, and deck railings. Their damage is unsightly and can lead to water intrusion and rot, which attracts more pests.
- Powderpost Beetles & Old House Borers: These larvae tunnel through wood and can spend years doing so before emerging as adults. Their presence is identified by extremely fine, flour-like dust (frass) that appears beneath tiny "shot holes" in hardwood floors, furniture, and structural beams.
These pests are not included in standard general services. They need special tools and knowledge because their habits are unique. A simple perimeter spray is not enough. We separate this service to provide a powerful, focused solution.
- Thorough Inspection and Identification: Our WDI process starts with a full inspection. We correctly identify the pest species (crucial for choosing the right treatment) and locate active nests, tunnels, and any conditions that help them thrive, such as wet or damaged wood.
- Targeted Application: Depending on the species, we apply liquid or dust insecticides directly into the entry holes, voids, and galleries where the pests live. For carpenter bees, we dust the galleries to eliminate developing larvae and seal the tunnels.
- Long-Term Wood Preservation & Advice: We may use wood preservatives (such as borate treatments) to stop beetles from returning and make the wood uninhabitable for future pests. We also advise clients on fixing moisture issues and structural repairs. We want to stop the pests from coming back for good.
IMPORTANT: This Wood Destroying Insect service does not cover termites. Termites require a completely different, specialized treatment plan due to their unique foraging behavior and colony structure.
$350 minimum.
Prices may vary depending on the size of the property, severity of infestation, and complexity of work. There is a $100 missed appointment fee. Prices subject to change without notice.
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