December 2, 2023
Edited by
Kurt Freudensberger
Copy Reviewed by
Michelle Sanchez
Scientifically reviewed by
Home / Blog / Termites / What is a Termite Inspection?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit
Scientifically reviewed by hawxadmin
-Published on November 6, 2024
-Updated on November 6, 2024
Are you worried about termites crashing your home sweet home? The signs of termites can be subtle – a tiny pile of wood dust here, a pair of discarded wings there. You might not even realize you have termites until things start crumbling down.ย
Termites are the guests no homeowner ever wants.
Unfortunately, they come in anyway – uninvited and dangerous, these pests cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year. And once theyโre there, thereโs not much you can do – most homeowner insurance policies wonโt cover termite damage, and the damage can be extensive.
The good news is that you have a powerful line of defense against these nibbling pests – termite inspections.ย
What is a termite inspection, and when you need to have one done? Letโs break things down.
Typically conducted by licensed pest control professionals, a termite inspection is a thorough examination of your property by a professional to detect any signs of termite activity or damage.
Think of it as a health check-up for your home, but instead of checking for a fever, theyโre looking for tiny destroyers that could be munching away at your investment.
So why are termite inspections so important? Lots of reasons.
For one, your home is likely one of your most significant investments, if not the most significant. Termite damage can lead to expensive repairs that may not be covered by insurance. Regular inspections help catch infestations early before they can cause severe harm.
Knowing that your home is termite-free allows you to sleep better at night. Even if termites are found, catching them early means you can address the problem swiftly and effectively.
When it comes time to sell your home, a history of regular termite inspections can be a selling point. Prospective buyers will appreciate knowing that the property has been well-maintained and protected against termites.
Here are three signs you might want to get a termite inspection on the calendar:
Each company will go about their routine a bit differently, but here are the basics:ย
The inspector will start by examining the exterior of your home. Theyโll look for areas conducive to termite activities, like wood to soil contact and wood piles near the home. Theyโll check the foundation, windows, doors, and crawl spaces.
Next, the inspector will move inside your home. Theyโll inspect baseboards, walls, windowsills, and any wooden furniture. The goal is to identify any signs of termite activity or damage that may not be easily visible from the outside.
Termites thrive in moist environments. The inspector will use specialized tools to check for moisture levels in your home. High moisture levels can attract termites, so identifying and addressing these issues is crucial.
After the inspection, the pest control expert will provide a detailed report of their findings. This report will outline any evidence of termite activity, potential risk areas i.e. conducive conditions, and recommended treatment options if needed.
Think you donโt need a termite inspection? Think again. Here are some common myths – and the truth:
Termites are sneaky and can cause significant damage before you even notice them.ย
Termites donโt discriminate. Whether your home is new or old, termites can find their way in.ย
Compared to the cost of repairing termite damage, inspections are relatively affordable – an investment to protect your home.ย
Itโs generally recommended to have a termite inspection at least once a year.
If you live in an area known for termite activity, more frequent inspections may be necessary. Consult with a local pest control expert to determine the best schedule for your home.
Choose a pest control company with a proven track record in termite inspections and treatments. Experienced professionals are more likely to identify and address issues effectively.
Make sure the company you choose is licensed and certified. This guarantees that they meet industry standards and have the necessary expertise to handle termite inspections.
Make sure the inspector has easy access to all areas of your home, both inside and out. This includes removing any obstacles that may hinder their examination.
Share any relevant information with the inspector, such as previous termite treatments or areas where youโve noticed potential signs of termite activity.
If possible, be present during the inspection. This allows you to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the inspectorโs findings.
Now, what should you do if the inspection finds termites? This can be stressful, but you need to try to stay calm. Early detection means the problem can be addressed before it gets out of hand.
Trust the expertise of your pest control professional. Follow their recommendations for treatment and prevention to ensure your home remains termite-free.
Even after treatment, regular inspections are crucial to prevent future infestations. Work with your pest control company to establish a maintenance plan.
Since termites thrive in moist environments, reducing moisture around your home is key. Fix any leaks, ensure proper drainage, and maintain your gutters. Also, avoid storing firewood, lumber, or other wooden materials near your home. If you do need to store wood, keep it elevated and away from the ground or home.
Keep your home in good repair. Regularly check for any signs of damage or wear and address issues promptly.
Most importantly, invest in termite inspections.
Termite inspections are a vital part of homeownership, helping you protect your investment, maintain property value, and ensure peace of mind. By understanding what a termite inspection entails and why itโs essential, you can take proactive steps to keep your home termite-free.
Donโt wait until itโs too late – join our family of satisfied customers and schedule your termite inspection with Hawx Pest Control today.
Our experts continually monitor the pest control space,and we update our articles when the new inforation becomes available.
Edited by
Kurt Freudensberger
Copy reviewed by
Michelle Sanchez
Scientifically reviewed by
Daniel Baldwin. BCE. CCFS, CP-FS
Edited by
Kurt Freudensberger
Copy Reviewed by
Michelle Sanchez
Scientifically reviewed by
Learn more about the pests in this article
Palmetto Bugs
American Cockroaches
Waterbugs
Related Articles
What Makes Hawx Smart?
Office
251 20th Street, Suite 200,
Ogden, Utah, 84401
United States
Contact
Office
251 20th Street, Suite 200,
Ogden, Utah, 84401
United States
Contact