Termite treatments are typically significant financial commitments if the home is sizable, the infestation is severe, or the treatment coverage is extensive: Not to mention additional costs for structural repair, refurbishment, or replacement.

When you signed a termite control agreement with building inspection company, there are a few things that might have helped you learn more and possibly explain why your treatment failed:

What Is a Termite Inspection?

An expert will search a property for termite activity during a termite inspection through building inspection providers. If you are purchasing a house, a termite check is a crucial step to take. Severe termite infestations could threaten the building's structural integrity.

In particular locations, the inspector would search for termite activity. They might discover a current infestation or lingering evidence of a former infestation. A qualified inspector will be able to tell the difference and will offer pertinent advice on termite control.

An early-stage termite infestation is simple to treat. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct routine termite inspections to spot termite activity early on and effectively cure it.

During an Inspection, What to Look for

How can you ensure to check all the right things when you inspect your house? Although we advise leaving this to the experts who are qualified to spot termite presence, here is what they search for:

Swarming indicators:

The presence of swarms inside a house is a sure sign that subterranean termites have taken over the building. Interior swarms get observed close to windows, doorways, etc. Since - the flying reproductive ones get drawn to lit regions.

The mud tubes

Termites have been and maybe currently are present in the home if they have left tunnels formed of dirt, wood cellulose, and other materials at the foundation of the house, in the crawl space or attic, next to pipes or chimneys, or at other access sites. Additionally, look for sheetrock or foundation cracks that have been mud-sealed.

Signs of wood beam degradation include:

A hollow-sounding beam could be a sign that termites have attacked the wood, and therefore termite inspectors may tap on the wood with a mallet. An exposed beam that exhibits deep grooves on the softer innermost portion is another indication since termites consume wood from the inside out.

High level of moisture in the walls

To determine whether termites are present, termite inspectors may use a moisture metre to measure the moisture content of walls or wood trim around doors and windows.

Potential access points

A good base of operations for the termite army might get provided by wood fencing that touches the house, stacks of firewood next to it, wood mulch, or other sources of termite "food" that get nearby the home. Look for indications of a current or former infestation in these regions.

Visible termites:

It may be stating the obvious, but there's a good likelihood you have an infestation if you find termites in or near your property and they are visible.

When Should I Contact a Professional?

A termite inspection is advised in addition to the home inspection if you buy a house. If you reside in an older house, contact us as soon as you see live termites, mud tubes, or wood damage. The best approach to ensure you are clear of termites and can rest easy knowing your home structures are intact is to call in a specialist.