Termite inspections are often required in order to secure funding to purchase a home (especially older ones). We perform Termite inspections or Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) for real-estate transactions and provide NPMA-33 form. Fully insured and certified termite inspectors are here to help. Termite damage to the structures is higher in old houses.Older homes are more in need of termite inspections. Here’s what you may want to know concerning the process of most home termite inspections that are carried. We are certified by https://www.nachi.org/. to perform termite inspections. You can book your termite inspection here .
Do I Need A Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is recommended every few years. A certified termite inspector is looking for hidden wood damage caused by wood destroying organisms. Moisture issues in a building can attract termites as well as exposed wood caused by deferred maintenance of a building.
The Termite Inspection Process
During these inspections, the pest professional will closely examine all areas of the property that are accessible. These areas include the entire interior of the home, the attic, the basement, and any crawlspaces that are readily accessible. We will inspect the exterior, especially areas that are dark and damp. These areas are more prone to termite problems.
Throughout the inspection the termite inspector is looking for key evidence such as the actual physical presence of termites. The termite tubes resemble dirt trails along the sides of the walls and signs of termite damage.
To make the inspection easier for the inspector,some things can be done in advance to provide access to all areas. These things include:
Inside the home:
- Make sure all basements, crawlspaces, and attics have clear openings and can be easily entered by the inspector.
- Move items and furniture away from the walls to create at least a two foot clearance space.
- Clear away all items from under the sinks in the bathrooms and kitchen.
Outside the home:
- Trim back plantings that are close to exterior walls.
- Clear out all debris and dead plantings that are close to the foundation.
- Remove excess soil that reaches above the bottom of the siding.
- Move all extra wood (such as firewood or extra building materials) away from the home.
It is difficult for a home owner to see evidence of termites because they live in the wood or underground. Termites are no different but they often leave clues behind.
Subterranean termites build mud shelter tubes to serve as safe paths between the colony and the wood they are eating. These tubes can be found both inside and outside and are made of small bits of soil, wood and debris. The tubes can conserve the moisture that is essential for survival and also to protect the colony from predators.
Some termites will leave behind frass or droppings. Tiny fecal mounds means the wood is infested with termites.Termite frass is composed of the digested wood they regularly consume. Depending on the wood the termites infest, the droppings may be a light tan color or a darker brown. The tiny oval pellets are a millimeter long and typically accumulate in large piles near infestation sites.
The termite inspection is outside the scope of a general home inspection and can be added for an additional fee.