Termites are one of the worst pests you can have in your home, because of the amount of damage that they cause. Not only that, they are also hard to detect once they set up in the home, and they are hard to remove. This is why termite inspections performed by a professional on a regular basis are so important. Catching an infestation in time can help you save thousands of dollars in treatments and repair costs. In this article, we’re going to go over the termite inspection process and what you can expect from it.
What is a termite inspection?
A termite inspection is an investigative process which determines if termites are present in your home. This investigation is best performed by pros, but homeowners can look for signs of a termite infestation themselves. Termite inspectors are trained to look for:
- Indentations in the drywall, doors, windows and walls.
- Wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it.
- Frass, which is termite waste, and which resembles wood shavings.
- Tiny mud tunnels that are usually located near the foundation wall.
- Actual termites.
Termite inspectors also look for signs of “swarmers” in the home. Swarmers are termites that have wings, and which are responsible for starting new colonies. They will leave their original nest and fly out in swarms. Sometimes, these swarmers fly inside the home because the colony is indoors, and they will leave behind piles of wings. Inspectors will check for these as well.
How do I know if I need a termite inspection?
You will usually need a termite inspection once a year, so if you have not had one in a while, especially if you live in a southern or southwestern state, you should set up an appointment. While it may seem like an extra expense, an inspection can help you save a lot of money on both treatments and repairs.
What do I do if termites don’t live in my area?
Termites are found pretty much in every US state with the exception of Alaska, although you are less at risk of an infestation the higher north you go. Still, it’s a good idea to have regular inspections, because termites leave few outward signs that indicate their presence.
What happens during a termite inspection?
Termite inspections do not require a lot of preparation or tools. In most cases, the inspector will use a flashlight in order to inspect every corner of the house. An inspection of the entire property will be done, including the foundation, crawl space, attic, fences, random wood piles and any other potential termite-attracting areas, and the whole process usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the size of the property. If you would like to know more about the inspection process, or if you want to set up an inspection appointment, contact us today.
