If you are buying or selling a home, it is important to have a termite inspection done. This will help you determine if there are any termites present in the home, and what kind of damage they may have caused. In this blog post, we will discuss what a termite inspection consists of, and how it can help you protect your property.
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Areas That a Termite Inspection Will Check
Termites are often hard to look for, as they live underground and in the wood of a home. For this reason, a termite inspection will check many different areas of your property. These areas include:
Cracks and Crevices
Termites like to hide in small spaces, so a good inspector will check for cracks and crevices around the home. They will also look for any water damage, as this can create a perfect environment for termites.
Foundation
The foundation of your home is one of the most important areas to inspect, as it is where termites are likely to enter. An inspector will check for any signs of damage or moisture around the foundation.
Exterior Walls
The exterior walls of your home are another common entry point for termites. Inspectors will look for any damage or weakness in the walls, as well as any evidence of mud tubes (which are made by termites).
Wooden Structures of Your Home
The wooden structures of your home, such as the roof, eaves, and decking, are also vulnerable to termite damage. An inspector will check these areas for any signs of infestation.
Wood Fences
Wooden fences are also a common target for termites. An inspector will check the fence for any damage, as well as look for any evidence of termite activity.
Wood Mulch
Wood mulch is a popular food source for termites, so an inspector will check around your home for any piles of wood mulch.
Firewood
Firewood is another food source for termites, so it is important to keep it away from your home. An inspector will check for any evidence of firewood near the home.
Deadwood
Deadwood is a popular place for termites to live, so an inspector will check around your property for any dead trees or branches.
Things That Termite Inspectors Look For
Termite inspections are critical because they can help you identify if there is an infestation and the extent of the damage. Some things that an inspector will look for to indicate signs of termite infestations include:
Wood Damage
Termites will eat the wood in your home, which can cause significant damage. An inspector will look for any signs of wood damage, including hollowed-out wood, crumbling wood, and termite eggs.
Termite Presence
Termites in the wild are notoriously difficult to detect. If you’re unfortunate enough to come across one in your home, be sure you can distinguish it from an ant. Workers, soldiers, and reproductives are the three different categories of subterranean termites.
All of these groupings appear to be creamy white. The reproductives are distinguished by their wings, which give them the appearance of flying ants.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are created by termites as they travel from their underground nests to the wood in your home. These tubes are made of mud and soil and can be a telltale sign of an infestation.
Swarm Evidences
A swarm of termites is a sure sign that there is an infestation. Termites will often swarm when they are ready to start a new colony. An inspector will look for any evidence of a recent swarm, such as wings or dead termites.
Termite Droppings
Termite droppings are another sign of an infestation. These droppings look like tiny pellets and can be a good indicator of how severe the infestation is.
Buckling Paint
Buckling paint is another sign of termite damage. When termites eat the wood in your home, they will excrete a sticky substance called frass. This substance can cause the paint on your walls to buckle.
Getting Rid of Termites
If you have a termite infestation, it is important to take action quickly. There are several ways to get rid of termites, including:
- Boric Acid
- Liquid Termite Barrier
- Termite Baiting System
If you have a severe case of termite infestations, you must call termite control exterminators. They will use a variety of methods to get rid of the termites, including chemical treatments and fumigation.
FAQ’s About Termite Inspections
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about termite inspections:
How Long Does a Termite Treatment Take?
It depends on the severity of the infestation. If you have a light infestation, it may only take a few hours. However, if you have a severe infestation, it could take days to be done.
How Do You Prepare for a Termite Inspection?
You don’t need to do anything special. Just make sure that the inspector has easy access to all of the areas they need to inspect.
What Is Involved in a Termite Treatment?
There are a few different types of termite treatments. The most common is the liquid termiticide barrier, which involves spraying a chemical solution around your home.
Wrapping It Up
A termite inspection is an important part of owning a home. By understanding what to expect during this process, you can be better prepared when the inspector arrives.
This blog post has hopefully answered some of your questions about termite inspections and given you a little more knowledge about what to expect. If you have any further questions or would like more information, be sure to reach out to us.