Pest Control WA
WHY TERMITE INSPECTION IS IMPORTANT
If you are in the process of buying a house--congratulations! It doesn't matter if this is your first home or if you're just moving, buying a house is exciting. It's not as exciting to move into your new home only to find out that there are termites or other wood-destroying insects, like carpenter beetles, causing structural damage. It's crucial to have a professional inspect your home for termites before you move in. This will ensure that you don't incur any unexpected costs or damage.
How termites can damage a home
Termites are capable of destroying property worth more than $5 billion annually. They are also known as silent destroyers because they can chew through wood, wallpaper, and flooring. It would take termites around 3,100 years to consume the wood in a 1,000-square foot home. However, they never live alone. According to their species, termite colonies can number from several thousand to many millions. Multiple colonies can live on the same acre, so millions of termites could be in your home at any given time.
Slab foundations, wood-touching dirt, and inaccessible crawl spaces are the most susceptible areas to termite damage. These are the most important things prospective homeowners need to keep in mind as they look to purchase a home. They should also consult their lenders and agents to make sure that the property is suitable for them.
Get a termite inspection before you buy your home
Depending on how many termites have been infested, the length of time they have lived in the house, and the location of the wood affected, the cost of repairs can run into the thousands. Termite repairs can often be more expensive than the original construction. It is important to have a termite inspection done before you sign the contract and move in. A termite inspection may be required to close a real estate transaction. Some mortgages such as FHA or VA loans could also require conditional approval depending on the extent of repairs that are needed.
A termite inspection differs from a regular home inspection in that the inspector evaluates the structure of a house, from the roof to its foundation. A professional termite inspection usually takes about one hour. A termite specialist will inspect the house from the attic to determine if there are any signs of termite damage. You can see evidence of termite damage in the form of buckling wood, swelling floors and ceilings, and areas that have suffered from water damage. Termite infestations may also cause mildew-like or mold-like odors.
The specialist will complete the inspection and issue a report detailing any termite infestations. They also provide a cost estimate for exterminating the termites.
How to Treat a Termite Infestation
The termite inspector will provide a cost estimate and then the pest control WA company will come to do a treatment. This involves either fumigating or spraying insecticide to eliminate termites from the colony. After treatment is completed, homeowners will need to assess the damage and possibly work with contractors to repair them. These costs can be costly as they often involve extensive demolition and the replacement of structural supports.
There are several things you can do if you don't have termites or want to avoid them.
- Keep your home dry, and direct water away
- Keep mulch and woodpiles away from the foundation of your home
- Look out for termite damage and signs such as droppings, swarmer wings, and warping.
- Patterns in floors, walls, and ceilings
How to find a termite professional
A licensed professional pest inspector should conduct your termite inspection. Pest Busters Olympia WA offers free inspections if you find any signs of termites or other pests in your home. If you find an active infestation, there is no way for homeowners or potential home buyers to deal with it. It is best to call a pest control company as soon as you notice the damage. Get in touch with us today for more information!
Pest Busters Olympia
Olympia Wa
(360) 226 1790