Don't drill or pry suspect wood
TL;DR: Drilling destroys evidence and creates safety risks. Use visual inspection and gentle tapping instead—leave invasive probing to professionals.
Why not to drill or pry
- Destroys evidence: Opening galleries scatters termites and makes it harder to assess extent or species.
- Structural risk: Drilling load-bearing members can compromise integrity—especially if already weakened.
- Personal safety: Sudden collapse, splinters, or exposure to mold/fungus in damaged wood.
- Voids warranties: Many treatment warranties exclude customer-damaged areas.
What to do instead
- Visual inspection: Look for surface signs (bubbling, cracks, frass, mud tubes) without touching.
- Gentle tapping: Light tap with screwdriver handle—hollow sound indicates damage. Don't pry or force.
- Log patterns: Use LTRS to document what you see, then request inspection or call (833) 404-3632.
Quick answers
- How can inspectors tell without drilling?
- Professionals use moisture meters, acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, and trained eyes to detect damage without destructive testing.
- Is gentle tapping safe?
- Yes. Light tapping with a screwdriver handle or coin helps identify hollow areas without causing damage. Never pound or pry.