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Why do I need a termite inspection?
Many lenders require it, so they can be
sure there are no active termite
infestations in any home they finance. If
you're buying, you want to be sure you're
not buying termites and termite damage along
with your new house.
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How long does the inspection take? What's
involved?
Usually, it takes less than an hour. An
experienced inspector will check the entire
house thoroughly, from foundation to roof.
He knows exactly where to look for telltale
signs of the presence of termites or other
wood destroying insects, and any damage.
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Termites won't attack a new house, will
they?
Unfortunately, they have been known to...
sometimes within days of completion.
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How do subterranean termites get into a
house?
Very easily. All they need is an opening
1/64" wide. They may enter directly from the
soil, or they may build airtight tubes
leading from their colony in the soil to the
wood of your house. They usually commute
daily between the wood and their colony.
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What if no evidence of termites is found?
You will receive written notification
stating that no visible evidence of
infestation have been found in the
accessible areas that were checked. But any
home should be re-inspected periodically,
especially if neighboring homes show signs
of termites.
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Are there other wood destroying insects
besides termites?
Yes. Besides the most common termite -
the subterranean - there are other kinds of
termites, as well as wood destroying
beetles, carpenter ants and carpenter bees.
Our inspectors know how to identify them and
treat for them.
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What if the inspection shows termites or
other wood destroying insects are present?
Then it will be necessary to treat the
property to prevent any further damage.
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Will my family have to vacate the house?
Only if it is necessary to treat for dry
wood termites. Subterranean termites can
be controlled while the house is occupied.
Again, our inspector will carefully explain
whatever procedures are necessary.
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Will there be an odor?
There may be a slight odor for a while
after treatment. However, it is
non-lingering, and any trace of it should
disappear in just a few days.
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If a treatment is needed, what might be
the cost?
Costs vary widely, and no meaningful
answer can be given until the inspection is
completed, the size and structure of the
home determined, and other factors assessed.
It is important to remember, however, that
the cost of termite treatment is minor when
compared to the equity and investment
represented in a home.
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Could I do it myself?
That's not practical, since special
equipment and application techniques are
required. Thoroughly trained and experienced
personnel have the skills necessary to do
the job properly.
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What if there already is extensive
damage?
If the damage threatens the soundness or
appearance of the structure, it must be
repaired. This is a specialized type of
work, but our inspectors are familiar with
it and can help you arrange for repairs.
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What does an inspector look for during a
termite inspection?
A full termite inspection is technically
a "Wood Destroying Organism Report". The
inspector will be looking for active
infection or infestation. Some things an
inspector will look for are: termites, wood
boring beetles, fungus damage, water damage,
earth to wood contacts and plumbing leaks.
