Buying a home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. After the excitement of moving in wears off, the reality sets in that you’re now responsible for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Ignoring problems like a termite infestation can lead to extensive structural damage, so it’s important to be proactive about home preservation through regular inspections and pest control.
In this post, we’ll take a close look at the role termite inspections play in keeping your home in good shape for years to come. We’ll cover:
- What termites are and the damage they cause
- Why regular termite inspections are so important
- What happens during a termite inspection
- How to prepare for an inspection
- When you should schedule inspections
- What to do if termites are found
- Pest control and treatment options
- The costs involved
- DIY vs professional inspection
Let’s dive in!
What Are Termites and Why Are They So Destructive?
Termites are eusocial insects that live in colonies and feed on cellulose from wood and wood products. There are different types of termites, but the subterranean termite is the most common species that infests homes in the United States.
These pests live underground and construct mud tunnels to provide them access to food sources above ground. Termites can feast on any wood materials in your home, including framing, flooring, furniture, books, and more. Their colonies have distinct castes of workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites that cooperate to grow the colony.
Subterranean termites are so destructive because:
- They eat wood, paper, and fabric 24/7. A termite colony may contain hundreds of thousands or millions of workers.
- They remain hidden inside mud tunnels or inside the wood, so you can’t see the damage being done.
- They can chew through structural timbers and severely compromise the integrity of your home.
- Termite damage is often not covered by homeowners insurance. Preventive treatment and repairs come out of your own pocket.
Left undetected and untreated, termites can cause many thousands of dollars in damage. They can destroy floors, walls, moldings, beams, furniture — you name it. Getting rid of an infestation is extremely expensive, so prevention is critical.
Why Regular Termite Inspections Are So Important
Since termites do their damage out of sight, the only way to detect them early is through regular professional termite inspections. Getting annual or bi-annual inspections can help catch problems before they become unmanageable.
Here are some key reasons why consistent termite inspections are so important:
Detecting infestations early. Termites are sneaky and can chew through wood for months or years before you notice anything wrong. Regular inspections allow you to detect them in the early stages before major structural damage.
Prevent expensive repairs. The longer termites have free reign in your home, the costlier the control and repairs will be. Early detection through inspections helps keep damage localized.
Maintain peace of mind. Not knowing if or when termites might attack your home can cause a lot of worry. Regular inspections provide assurance that your home is termite-free.
Preserve your investment. Letting termite damage go unchecked can significantly decrease your home’s value. Inspections help maintain the structure and value of your investment.
Reduce risk of collapse. In the worst case scenario, overlooked termite damage can lead to collapse or unsafe conditions requiring condemnations. Don’t let it get to this point!
Create a record. Inspection reports provide a record of termite activity on your property over time for your reference.
Making termite inspections part of your regular home maintenance routine is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner. An ounce of prevention truly pays off when dealing with these destructive pests.
What Exactly Happens During a Termite Inspection?
Okay, so you know why termite inspections are so critical for homeowners. But what exactly should you expect during a professional inspection?
Here are the key elements included in a thorough termite inspection:
- Exterior check. The exterior perimeter of the home is examined for signs of termite shelter tubes or mud tunnels leading from the soil to the structure. The foundation is closely checked for cracks, peeling paint, or imperfections termites could use to enter.
- Interior check. Indoors, inspectors search for symptoms of termites such as mud tubes on walls or beams, blistering drywall or baseboards, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and frass (insect waste).
- Moisture testing. Excess moisture makes wood much more vulnerable to termite infestation. Inspectors use moisture meters to test wood materials for dangerous moisture content.
- Probing. Inspectors probe wood structures with a screwdriver to check for damage. Oftentimes, they can detect tunnels within before exterior signs appear.
- Attic inspection. The attic is checked thoroughly including insulation, ductwork, framing, vents and other entry points. This area is very vulnerable to termites.
- Crawl space inspection. The crawl space is inspected for moisture intrusion, standing water, mud tubes, and wood damage.
- Detached structures. Any sheds, garages or other detached buildings are checked as well. Termites don’t limit themselves to your home alone.
A comprehensive inspection like this allows an inspector to check your entire property inside and out. You’ll get peace of mind knowing your home’s structural integrity is intact.
How to Prepare for a Termite Inspection
A termite inspection requires full access to the entire interior and exterior of your home. Here are some tips on preparing:
- Clear access paths. Make sure technicians can easily access crawl spaces, attics, and basements by clearing any stored items or debris.
- Trim foliage. Vegetation touching the home exterior should be trimmed back at least 6 inches so siding and foundation can be easily examined.
- Clean up clutter. Remove stacks of papers, piles of clothes, and other clutter that could conceal termite activity. The easier the access, the better.
- Move furniture. Furniture and carpeting along exterior walls will likely need to be pulled out for inspection. Precise drilling may occur.
- Leave utilities on. Inspectors will need lights on and may need to access sinks or other areas to check plumbing.
- Keep pets contained. Dogs should be kenneled or placed in a closed room so they don’t interfere with the inspection process.
- Open access areas. Unlock and open attic doors, crawl space covers, utility closets, etc. to allow easy entry to all areas.
- Plan to be home. You don’t need to accompany the inspector but should be home to let them in and answer any questions.
A thorough inspection requires full home access. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the process quick and easy for the inspectors.
When To Schedule Termite Inspections
Termite infestations can develop rapidly, so you don’t want to wait until you see evidence of an existing problem. The question is, how often should you have inspections performed?
Here are some general guidelines on scheduling frequency:
Annual inspections. In warm, humid climates with heavy termite pressure, annual inspections are a good idea. Areas like Florida and Louisiana are high risk.
Every 2-3 years. In many mid-range climates, inspections every 2-3 years are sufficient if no termites have been found previously.
After extreme weather. After hail storms, tornadoes, hurricanes or flooding, extra inspections help detect new entry points.
Before buying a home. It’s smart to get an inspection before purchasing a resale home so you know the extent of any infestation.
After moving objects. If you move exterior planters, stacks of wood, or other objects that were concealing foundation walls, an inspection soon after is wise.
During renovations. An inspection after opening walls or removing insulation during remodeling is important to check for damage.
When selling. Pre-listing inspections inform sellers of damage needing repair before open houses begin.
Think of inspections as routine maintenance for your largest investment. Consistency is key for protecting your home against destruction.
What To Do If Termites Are Found During an Inspection
Seeing those dreaded signs of termites is upsetting. But remember the inspection has done its job by detecting an issue early when it is most manageable. Now, action steps can be taken to eliminate the colony and prevent further damage.
If termites are found, here is an overview of what happens next:
Assess scope of problem. The inspector will examine all areas fully to determine the scope of infestation. How much of the structure is involved? How large is the colony? Have they spread to other areas yet? This assessment guides the treatment plan.
Determine treatment plan. Based on the extent of the infestation, the inspector will determine whether spot treatment, partial treatment, or whole structure treatment is required. Treatment methods are matched to the specifics of your case.
Educate on pest control options. There are different treatment methods, which we’ll cover next. The inspector will present your options, explaining procedures, effectiveness, and costs to help guide your decision.
Provide written plan & estimate. You’ll receive a written plan outlining the recommended course of treatment along with a free estimate for completion of services. Reputable companies won’t pressure you.
Schedule & prepare for treatment. If you accept the proposal, you’ll select timing for the treatment. Any preparation such as clearing access paths will be discussed.
Complete treatment & re-inspect. Once treatment is complete, the area will be re-inspected after a period of time to ensure elimination. Any signs of remaining activity are addressed.
With the right pest control provider, you can gain peace of mind knowing your termite problem has been solved.
Pest Control & Treatment Options for Termites
If those dreaded termites are detected within your home’s wood infrastructure, taking immediate action with professional pest control treatments is critical. The good news is that modern treatments are extremely effective when applied correctly.
Here is an overview of common treatment options to eliminate termite infestations:
Liquid soil treatment. This creates a protective barrier by saturating the soil around the home with liquid termiticide that kills termites on contact. It provides residual protection against future colonies as well.
Termite baits. Bait stations containing slow-acting pesticide are installed around the property. Foraging termites consume the bait and share it with others in the colony so it eventually kills off the entire nest.
Wood treatment. This targets termites inside wood structures. Termiticide is applied directly into infested areas or high risk areas through drilling, misting, foam or fumigation. It kills active colonies and provides residual protection.
Physical barriers. Physical shielding like termite-resistant foam, mesh, or sealant can be added in vulnerable areas during construction to block access and entry points for termites.
Extreme heat. Contained extreme heat is used to penetrate wood frameworks and kill termites by raising temperatures to over 130°F, even in hidden areas.
Multiple treatment methods are often combined for maximum effectiveness. The approach will depend on the specifics of your home and the termite infestation.
What Are the Potential Costs for Termite Control?
Okay, let’s talk about what termite inspections and treatments might set you back financially. Cost varies dramatically based on factors like:
- Scope of the infestation
- Your home’s size and other specifics
- Extensiveness of the treatment plan
- Whether follow-up retreatments are needed
- Your location
**Ballpark inspection costs: **$75-$150
Minor treatments: $500 – $2000
Major treatments: $2000 – $8000
**Extensive damage repairs: **Tens of thousands
As you can see, a few hundred dollars spent periodically on preventive inspections is much less painful than the massive expense of repairs and major treatment needed after serious termite destruction.
Reputable pest control companies will provide firm quotes tailored to your specific situation only after assessing the full circumstances on-site. There’s no average “one size fits all” cost.
Can I Do My Own Termite Inspection?
When it comes to protecting your home and your wallet from termites, it’s always best to hire a professional pest management company for inspections and treatment.
However, if you want to do some DIY spot-checking in between regular professional inspections, here are some basic steps:
- Carefully check the foundation exterior for mud tubes or cracks. Probe any questionable areas with a screwdriver.
- Check crawl spaces for moisture or standing water sources. Look for mud tubes leading to wood.
- Inspect attics for mud tunnels near insulation, ducts, and wood frames.
- In basements or slab homes, examine interior wood framing for hollow areas or blistering drywall.
- Tap along baseboards, window frames, and door frames listening for hollow sounds indicating interior tunnels.
- Watch for signs like sagging floors or doors that don’t close properly indicating hidden structural damage.
Use a moisture meter to test suspect wood. Probe wood with sharp objects to feel for damage. While DIY checks are helpful, they cannot substitute for the high level of expertise, tools and thoroughness of professional pest control inspectors and technicians. If there’s any sign of termites, call the pros!
Don’t Let Termites Ruin Your Home
Left unchecked, termites can quietly destroy your home from the inside out. But with diligent maintenance through periodic professional termite inspections, you can catch problems early and take action. Stopping termites in their tracks will save you thousands down the road.
Safeguard your home investment with a termite management plan. Schedule your first inspection so you have peace of mind that your home’s foundation and structure remain as solid and intact as the day it was built. Don’t gamble with DIY guesses — let the professionals handle termite detection and elimination!
