Preventing termite attacks in your home is very important. The initial step is to start with a termite inspection. But, the cost of this method purely depends on your location, reason, the company you choose, and a few other factors. Hence, it is better to speak to a pest inspector for prices in your location.
What Is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is an investigation to see if there are termites in your home. Termite inspection is not your job, a professional is required to do this. A termite inspector looks for things like:
- Actual termites
- Frass
- Small mud tunnels
- Wood that sounds hollow
- Indentations in doors, windows, and drywalls.
The termite inspector will also check if the place has swarmers. Swarmers have wings. They leave their original nest and start their colonies. If the termites in your home are swarming, the termite inspector will see them flying or see the small piles of termite wings in places such as coral space and window sills.
Signs You Need a Termite Inspection
Here are a few signs that make you do a termite inspection:
- Drywall discolouration
- Shed termite wings
- Mud tubes
- Live termites around the structure
- Pinholes in drywall
- Visibly damaged wood
- Squeaky floorboards
- Termite droppings
If you find any of these signs, it is better to schedule a meeting with a termite inspector. The termite inspector will thoroughly search for the signs and confirm the cause. Once done, he/she will provide you with a correct treatment plan.
What does a termite inspection consist of?
The termite inspection consists of:
- Termite droppings
- Brittle drywall
- Buckling or bubbling paint
- Mud tubes
- Hollow or damaged wood
- Evidence of termite swarms
- Live termites
It can be difficult to spot termite signs. Hence, it is very important to have a termite inspector perform inspections annually. A professional expert knows which type of termites are present in your home, what signs to look for, and where to look at.
How to prepare for a termite inspection?
When scheduling your termite inspection, be sure to inquire about the necessary preparations from your inspector. To properly assess any potential structural damage, the termite inspector will require access to various areas in your home, including the garage, exterior walls, attic, crawl space, and sinks. To facilitate this process before the inspector’s arrival, kindly follow these steps:
- Garage walls: Clear items and belongings positioned within two feet of the garage walls. This action allows the inspector to observe where the walls meet the slab floor, as termites can enter through expansion joints in the garage.
- Underneath the house: If your house has a raised foundation, the inspector will need to access the crawl space. Ensure that the crawl space access door on the exterior of the house is unobstructed by removing any items blocking it.
- Attic: Create a clear pathway for the inspector to access your attic by moving items away from the entrance. In case the attic access is within a closet, take the necessary precautions to remove clothing and stored items so that insulation does not fall on them.
- Sinks: Prior to the inspection, remove any items stored under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. The inspector will inspect these areas for both leaks and signs of termite activity.
By following these guidelines and preparing your home accordingly, you will enable the termite inspector to conduct a thorough examination and provide you with accurate findings.
What Happens at a Termite Inspection?
The termite inspection process is pretty straightforward and you don’t require any type of tools. The termite inspector will use his/her eyes and a light to look at all the crannies and nooks around the home. A thorough inspection will include the attic, foundation, fences, piles of wood, crawl space, etc.
The Termite Inspection Process
The process of scheduling and conducting a termite inspection is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Schedule the Inspection: Contact your chosen termite inspection company either through their website or over the phone to set up an appointment. Coordinate a suitable time with a licensed technician that fits your schedule, as you will need to be present to grant them access to your home, garage, and any other structures you want them to examine.
- Preparing for the Inspection: While some companies may not require any specific preparation before their arrival, it’s a good idea to ensure the technician can easily access essential areas, such as your attic, sink, garage, and crawl space (if applicable). Clear out any items stored in the attic, remove obstructions from expansion joints in the garage, and ensure easy access to the crawl space or space under your sink.
- The Inspection Process: The licensed technician will thoroughly inspect both the interior and exterior of your property, meticulously searching for signs of termite activity and infestations, such as mud tubes and shed wings. They will carefully examine for evidence of both subterranean and drywood termites. The duration of the inspection will vary based on the size of your property and the accessibility of woodwork, but it typically takes around 45 minutes, as stated by a representative from Terminix.
- Post-Inspection Details: Once the inspection is complete, the technician will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of their findings. They will explain how they can assist in eliminating the wood-destroying organisms and offer a quote for treatment if it is deemed necessary.
By following these steps, you can smoothly navigate the termite inspection process and make informed decisions about potential treatments, ensuring the protection of your property from these damaging pests.
Questions to ask your termite inspector
The termite inspector will work for you to give you the best plan according to your needs. Therefore, you should be prepared for the inspection as well. Here are a few questions that you can ask the inspector while he/she is inspecting your house for termites.
- How long the treatment takes?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What guarantees do you give?
- Where is the termite infestation?
- What is the cost to cover the whole house?
- How to prevent future termite infestations?
