Fungi and Dry Rot Control in Los Angeles, Orange County, Diamond Bar, Pasadena, Montebello, Cerritos and Whittier

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Fungi in Homes and Dry Rot Fungus

Are you a home owner with a possible termite infestation problem or a Real Estate professional looking for fast and prompt knowledgeable termite inspection services?

Dry Rot is a fungus disease that attacks both softwood and hardwood timber. Destruction of the cellulose causes discoloration and eventual crumbling of the wood. This frequently results in the collapse of wooden structures such as house flooring, mine shafts, and ship hulls. Because the fungi require moisture for growth, dry rot occurs most often in places where the ventilation is poor or humidity is high or when the wood has been improperly seasoned. In the United States it is most frequently caused by a pore fungus (Poria incrassata) and by the dry-rot, or house, fungus (Merulis lacrymans). It may be prevented by application of creosote or other preservatives.

Dry Rot Damage & Treatment

What is dry rot?
Dry rot (see photo at right) is a weakening of wood caused by one of several species of fungus. The fungus digests the parts of the wood that give the wood strength and stiffness. Weakened wood is typically somewhat dry, hence the name dry rot, and brittle and may have a blocky appearance.

Ironically, dry rot usually results from too much moisture in contact with wood. The dry rot fungus has the unusual ability to transport water from wet areas to dry areas allowing the fungus to grow in, and infect, relatively dry wood. If not stopped the dry rot fungus will so weaken wood that it may eventually disintegrate.

Can dry rot be confused with other damage?
Yes. Dry rot is often confused with carpenter ant or termite damage. Carpenter ant damage is distinguished by the removal of wood and formation of clean cavities where the carpenter ants live. Subterranean termite damage is similar to dry rot in overall appearance but the presence of live termites, termite galleries and generally wetter wood will usually separate the two conditions.

How can I prevent dry rot damage?
The most important way to prevent dry rot damage is to reduce or eliminate excess moisture. This may be as simple as repairing a leaky pipe or as complicated as stopping water infiltration through a basement foundation. A common cause of dry rot and termite damage is wood in contact with soil as occurs with a failed foundation.

If moisture cannot be controlled, or if the dry rot fungus as gained a foot-hold, then wood should be treated to inhibit the growth of the fungus. Boric acid, or borate, is an excellent fungicide (a pesticide that kills fungi) against the dry rot fungus. Borate also prevents insect damage. Wood can be treated during construction, during repair, or as a remedial treatment to stop an active infestation.

Borates for structral pests like dry rot are generally applied as liquids with some type of sprayer. However, most forms of borate should not be used if liquid water is present, such as outdoors, because borates are water soluble and will wash away. In these wet situations use fused borate instead because it is made for exterior applications. One popular borate product that is specifically made to treat dry rot is Bora Care

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Fungi in Homes and Dry Rot Fungus

Dry Rot Damage & Treatment

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