[caption id="attachment_379" align="alignleft" width="160" caption="All homeowners should have a termite inspection performed on their home."]
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A termite inspection is critical in many instances. Are you buying a home? A termite inspection (and carpenter ant inspection) may not be included in the general home inspection. You need a thorough termite home inspection to be sure that the wooden composition of your house is sound. Are you having problems with your home's structure? Perhaps you are noticing wood that is damaged or ‘bloated’ with termites? If you live in an area where termites are prominent, your home will require regular a termite inspection. These inspections should take place at least once every year to ensure your home is safeguarded against termites.
Why You Need a Termite Inspection
You may be wondering why in the world you need a termite home inspection on a yearly basis. The reason is quite simple: Termites will populate and multiply for a long time before they are discovered. There may be no warning signs of damage or an infestation. Yet, there could be termites lurking in the wood that supports your home. Your ceiling beams, the beams running through your home to support it, and even the wood outside holding your deck up could be exposed. The problem is, termites eat the wood from the inside out, which means you are likely not to notice any visual damage until there is a significant problem.
What to Look For
The good news is that a termite inspection only takes a few minutes for a professional to conduct. The process involves visually inspecting your home for any signs of termites. It is critical that the termite home inspection is thorough and precise, encompassing any area of your home where wood is present.
- A professional should always inspect the basement of a home (if there is one), as termite infestations are most common there.
- The attic is often framed by wood—ideal for termite growth. If you do not have an attic, allow the pest inspector to check under the eaves of the home.
- The crawlspace under the home, or those running alongside the home, is often a place where termites lurk.
- Outdoors, especially when you have any type of landscaping that is wood related, can also be a place where termites are lying in wait.
If you have not had a termite inspection in awhile, it is best to schedule one with a professional pest exterminator. He or she can come to your home, visually inspect it, set some traps if necessary and even treat the problem if found. A termite home inspection may point out areas you did not know was a source of major termite concern.