Should I Drill Weep Holes ?

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Moderator Post (s) for this thread: > Investigate moisture by doug seibert on 08/29/2004

I recently bought a 6 year old house and found that no weep holes were created when the home was built. I'm trying to eliminate a moisture problem that is occurring in the ceiling of the basement just below where this brick wall is situated. The brick wall is a half wall on the front of the house. It consists of a single thickness row of stretchers and a header of half-bricks. I'm not sure if any flashing is in place or not. (how can I determine?) If I drill the weep holes on the bottom course of bricks between the joints every two feet, will this be effective in releasing any condensation forming behind the wall. Should these be drilled on a slant? What's the best way to ensure I don't drill too deep. Also, this wall faces the West and is hit with alot of weather (rain, wind, sleet, snow, etc) Will drilling the weep holes invite more moisture and insects than is already present? Also, should I put any type of wicking in the holes if I do end up drilling them.

Also, How far below the bottom course of bricks should the ground level be?