A termite inspection is typically part of a home inspection and may be required before certain home loans. Home Inspectors carefully inspect all accessible areas including basements, attics, and crawl spaces for signs of termite infestation and damage.
San Antonio Termite Inspection listens for hollow sounds when tapping wood structures and looks for discarded wings, mud tubes, and frass (termite droppings). Moisture is also an attractant for these pests so Inspectors will check the moisture levels in the soil.
Exterior
A termite inspection is a thorough process of checking the exterior and interior of your home to identify signs of termite damage and infestation. It also looks for conducive conditions that attract these wood-destroying pests, such as moisture. A professional can conduct a comprehensive inspection using various tools and techniques, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and specialized tools designed to detect hidden tunnels and other signs of termite activity.
A reputable home inspector will check every accessible area of your house, including basements, foundation walls, attics, crawl spaces and other areas, as well as any ancillary wooden structures like sheds or carports. This includes looking for mud tubes, which are earth-like tunnels of mud created by a termite infestation to help them move around. Inspectors will also look for hollowed out wood, and cracking or bubbling paint. These are all indicators of the presence of moisture, which can cause rotting and damage to wood in your home.
Since subterranean and formosan termites are especially fond of moist environments, a good home inspector will pay special attention to any areas that may be prone to moisture problems. This includes areas near sinks, utility pipes, water fountains, swimming pools and hot tubs, as well as any areas with exposed soil or mulch. In addition, the inspector will check for sagging wood, which can be indicative of a serious termite infestation that needs immediate treatment.
Depending on the results of your termite inspection, your home inspector will provide you with recommendations and advice. If the inspection indicates a significant termite infestation, your home inspector will usually recommend a course of treatment for the property that includes fumigation, chemical treatments, or baiting systems. A reputable pest control service company, such as Arceneaux Pest Management Service, can provide these services for a reasonable cost.
If you are thinking about buying a home, your inspector will likely require a termite inspection before a real estate transaction can proceed. Some mortgage lenders, including FHA and VA in high-risk areas, also require a termite inspection prior to loan approval.
Attic
A termite inspection is an important part of the home buying process. It can reveal hidden damage and lead to expensive repair bills. Although Home Inspectors cannot complete the detailed pest control inspection, they can help protect a buyer and enlighten the seller on what’s in store. Home Inspectors will look for signs of termite infestation, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, frass (termite droppings), and crumbling wood. They may also search for moisture and other conditions that attract these pesky insects.
It’s helpful for homeowners to prepare for their termite inspection before the professionals arrive. This helps the inspection go more smoothly and allows the inspector to find signs of potential problems. Getting rid of clutter in the garage and removing items blocking crawl spaces or attics can give the professionals easier access to critical areas for a better evaluation.
During the termite inspection, the professional will carefully examine each area of the property for evidence of infestation. If they find a problem, they will write up a report that describes the problem and suggests treatments or prevention methods. They will also note if there is moisture in the attic or elsewhere on the home, which can lead to further wood damage and other problems.
Some lenders require a termite inspection before approving mortgages on homes in high-risk areas. A termite inspection is usually a separate service from a regular home inspection, and it typically costs extra. While some Home Inspectors are licensed to perform termite inspections, most states require separate licenses for each service. If you’re looking for a qualified termite specialist, you can visit Firehouse Pest Control Services to learn more about their services and commitment to protecting your property. They offer thorough and reliable termite inspections in Gilbert AZ. Their team will be happy to answer any questions you have about their services. They can even recommend the right treatment options for your specific needs. Contact them today to schedule a free consultation. They also offer other residential pest control services. They serve all of the Phoenix metro area and the surrounding communities.
Crawl Space
The basement, crawl space, and attic are all common entry points for termites. Your inspector will examine these spaces for evidence of an infestation, including mud tubes, wood debris, and droppings. They will also check the foundation for evidence of moisture intrusion and deterioration, as well as look for areas where soil and wood contact each other. In addition, your inspector will look for sheds and other detached structures on the property.
Since home inspectors are not termite experts, it’s important to prepare your home before the inspection. This helps speed up the process and allows the inspector to clearly assess your home without interfering. Specifically, make sure that any stored items or boxes are moved away from walls to allow the inspector to access baseboards and other surfaces.
It’s also helpful to clear out any clutter from the areas where a termite inspection will take place. If you have a garage, it’s best to clean it out so that the inspector can easily access any items stored on the floor and walls. Keeping the garage organized, and removing any cardboard boxes can also help deter termites from entering.
During a termite inspection, the inspector will use probing tools to check the strength and integrity of any wooden materials in your home. In addition, a variety of other tools are used to improve detection accuracy, such as thermal imaging and infrared cameras, which can detect hidden moisture and heat patterns that indicate termite activity.
Once the termite inspection is complete, you will receive a report that includes any active termite infestations found and any signs of damage. The report will also include recommendations for treatment and prevention. Depending on your needs, you may choose to get a termite treatment immediately, or you may want to wait until you’re ready to sell your home.
If you’re considering purchasing a new home, be sure to ask the seller about their termite inspection history. Getting an inspection before a sale can save you a lot of time and money down the road, and it could even prevent you from having to pay for costly repairs later on.
Interior
If termites go undetected, they can cause $5 billion worth of damage every year in the U.S. and aren’t typically covered by homeowner’s insurance. A termite inspection can reveal hidden infestations or conditions that make a property more vulnerable to these wood-destroying pests, saving homeowners or real estate buyers from costly structural damage and repairs down the road.
A professional inspector will thoroughly examine the interior of a home, paying special attention to attics, basements and crawl spaces. The inspection also includes checking for signs of infestation or deterioration in door frames, window frames, baseboards and other wooden structures throughout the house. In some cases, a sounding tool may be used to check for hollow areas in walls and other surfaces.
The inspector will look for mud tubes, a common sign of termites entering a house, as well as other visual cues like piles of sawdust or “terrmite turds.” If any of these signs are present, the inspector will likely recommend further testing to confirm the presence of termites and the severity of the infestation.
An interior termite inspection will also include examining a home’s plumbing system, checking the foundation for cracks or crevices and inspecting the crawl space. If a home has a wood-burning fireplace, the inspector will examine the wood around the firebox for signs of infestation and damage.
Depending on the location of a property, its history with termites and other factors, periodic re-inspections may be recommended. Termite prevention treatments are also available that can be applied to properties to reduce the risk of infestations and protect them from future damage.
Before a termite inspection, the inspector will need to clear access to critical areas by moving furniture, boxes and other stored items at least 3 feet away from walls. This will allow the inspector to thoroughly inspect these areas and ensure that there are no obstructions that could interfere with the results of the inspection. This is an especially important step for homebuyers, as termite inspections are often required as part of the homebuying process and mortgage loan approval.