When Do You Need a Termite Inspection?

Termite damage is not covered by insurance. And repairing termite damage can be costly if the infestation is not caught early enough. Investing in a termite inspection will not only save you from worries, but also save you a lot of money.

 

Termites are sneaky pests that eat away at a property’s structural timber 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. You may not be aware when termites move in to your home; and, more often than not, you will only discover that you have an infestation when too much damage has already been done and extensive and costly repairs will be necessary.

 

When should you consider getting a termite inspection?

 

  • You discover mud tubes, usually where the floor meets the walls or climbing the walls themselves. Termites use these tubes to move from place to place.
  • You notice your ceilings and/or floors are starting to sag.
  • You discover termite excrement; these look like coffee grounds or wood pellets.
  • You find discarded termite wings.
  • You notice some woodwork in your home crumbling or showing other signs of damage.
  • Before purchasing a house/building.

 

How often should you get a termite inspection?

 

A termite inspection should be a prerequisite when buying a house/building. After this initial inspection, the process should be repeated at least once a year to make sure that your house is always free from the pests.

 

Because termites thrive in all climates and weather conditions, no home is completely safe from an infestation. And there will always be hidden spaces and areas in your home that are going to be susceptible to termites. Do not wait until there are obvious signs of termite damage before hiring an inspector and exterminator. Routine inspections – and treatments, if necessary – are the only guaranteed way to keep these sneaky creepy crawlies from invading and making a feast of your home.

 

What should you expect during a termite inspection?

 

A highly qualified inspector will know to check certain areas of your dwelling and look for both traces of existing infestation, such as those mentioned above, and conditions that are conducive for future infestation. A complete termite inspection includes:

  • Investigation of the exterior and interior of your home, including: overflow pipes and other plumbing features; ventilation; boundary fences, outbuildings, and trees within the vicinity; internal floors and flooring; water and drainage pipes; all exposed timber within the house; internal roof structure; the basement, crawlspaces, and attic.  
  • A full, written condition report on your property’s existing infestation, or susceptibility to termite infestation.
  • A recommendation on treatment or preventive measures that you need to take.  

 

A termite inspection usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Remember that it takes a particular expert, with the right set of skills and knowledge, to effectively detect both concealed and obvious signs of termite infestation inside and outside a property.

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