Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

Termites are one of the worst nightmares for any homeowner. When they infest, they colonize very rapidly; munching on the wood that’s in their way. While termites are notorious for eating wood, damaging the home, they are also very harmful to the health of the residents inside.

Millions of dollars are spent on termite treatments and prevention. Before you spend too much on termite extermination, get your home inspected. It’s imperative to know the current status of any termite infestation. Knowing the category of the termite investigation will save additional damage that can be caused by the termites.

Although most termites are subterranean insects, meaning they are generally underground, there are also visible signs above the ground to detect their presence. In determining the current status of a termite infestation, first you need to recognize the signs. Look for termite tubes, also known as mud tubes, in and around the house. Knock on any wood structures in your home and see if you can feel any hollowness in the wood.

A termite inspection is best handled by termite inspection professionals. The basic steps involved in a professional termite inspection are as follows:

Step 1: Inspecting The Exterior

A professional termite inspector will start looking for the signs of a termite infestation on the exterior of your home. If your home does have termites roaming around, then their signs will be visible outside. He will thoroughly inspect the perimeter of the home, and also the foundation. The termite inspector will be looking for actual termites, and the termite tubes. If your home has any dead bushes or wild growth, then the inspector will ask you to remove them to keep your place free from any kind of infestation.

Step 2: Inspecting The Interior

After completing a thorough inspection of the exterior of a home, the inspector will move towards the interior. Termite inspections are more difficult inside the home; as compared to the exterior. This is because there are many more places inside the home that need to be checked. Termite tubes can be almost anywhere and everywhere; on the windows, corners, inside closets, in the kitchen cabinets and behind heavy appliances. If there is heavy infestation, then the tubes are typically found inside the walls and floor throughout the home.

Step 3: Inspect The Crawl Space & Basement

The crawl spaces and basements of homes are the favorite hiding place for termites. It would be a big mistake to avoid inspecting them. The home inspector will have the appropriate equipment needed to inspect every crawl space in the home, and will have the expertise to know if a home is even the least bit susceptible to termites.

Step 4: Inspect The Attic

If you think the attics are high above the ground and there is little chance of finding termites there then you are wrong. You will be surprised to know that many times the infestation is not found anywhere else in the home but attics. So this makes it necessary to inspect the top level of the home as much as the other parts of the home.

Conclusion

Termite inspection does not involve any treatment related to termite eradication, but it is just the survey of the home to determine the current status of infestation. This will help in knowing where there are signs of termites in your home, and how much damage has already been caused. Such inspections also help you in selling your home, as many buyers prefer to have the home thoroughly inspected before buying it.

If it is determined that a home is in deed infested with termites, professional termite control will be needed to exterminate the destructive pests.

Author Bio:

Ethen Hunt is the author of this article. He writers for New Jersey Termite Inspector and recommends his services if you are looking for Termite Inspection.

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I would like to take the opportunity to write about termites. Termites are very dangerous because of the damage that they cause to man made structures. There is a different test one must take before they can become certified to treat for termites in the State of Nevada. I am happy to say that I passed with flying colors. Although called the “termite” test the curriculum or certification materials covered other Wood Destroying Pests. I was a little surprised to be studying moss, fungi, rot, bees, beetles and structural aspects of homes which included; how well water flowed away from the foundation. It is interesting to see how all of these things come together when you finally get the big picture of what the inspection is all about, and how important a proactive approach can be when trying to control termites.

I will include in another post specifically what your neighborhood termite inspector will be looking for. For now, I would like to lay the framework for the “big picture” approach to a termite inspection; generally needed for various (loan) real estate transactions.

So why did I learn about moss, fungi, various other “rot,” bees, beetles, and how well the water flows away from the foundation?

Although termites are the number one wood destroying pests, there are others. There exists various types of bees and borers (beetles) that destroy wood and it is important to know about these insects to prevent the incorrect diagnosis of termites. The cost to treat for termites can be expensive, so it is very important that your diagnosis be solid.

When it comes to termites you want to make it as hard as possible for them to find a suitable place to live. This is where the various types of “rot” and how water flows away from the foundation comes in. Subterranean termites need a lot of moisture and prefer softer wood. Areas around your foundation where water builds up is a disaster waiting to happen. Over time, wood components of the foundation will eventually become water logged; ultimately developing the wood of choice for the nearest subterranean colony. Looking for moss, and fungus can easily identify places where this has taken place. Ever look at places where water damage has occurred? Moss, Fungus, or various stages of rot in/on walls is an immediate red flag for the inspector because it could be an entry point/harborage for termites.

The big picture is more than that of termites. One should learn of other wood destroying pests native to their habitat, and understand conditions that exist around the home that may be conducive to an infestation of various wood destroying pests; let alone the infamous termite.

KT

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