TERMITE INSPECTION DOYLESTOWN, PA
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Doylestown area homeowners should stay ahead of the curve when it comes to termite control. This means ensuring a thorough termite inspection whenever they are buying and selling property as well as scheduling routine termite inspections and treatments, if necessary, for as long as they own the property.
However, new homeowners or those who have not had to deal with a termite infestation in the past may not be aware just how critical regular inspections are to the safety and security of their property. Without their ever being aware of it, termites may be hard at work beneath the visible surfaces of their home, slowly but surely devouring the very home in which they live.
This means that it is critical for homeowners to understand the threat that termites pose and that they work to minimize this threat. The more you understand about the havoc wrought by termites and how to protect your property, the better prepared you will be to keep these invaders away.
HOW DO YOU INSPECT A HOUSE FOR TERMITES?
While it may be tempting for the avid DIY-er to attempt an inspection on their property, this generally is not recommend. Looking for the telltale signs of a termite infestation is best left to well-trained, certified experts who are adept and seeking out even the earliest warning signs. This ensures that your property gets the very best and most comprehensive protection that is available.
Nonetheless, there are things that you can do to prepare your home for an inspection by an expert. It’s smart to ensure that the technician will have full access to places like the attic, basement and crawl spaces. Chances are good that most homeowners don’t get into these spaces very frequently, and they may be difficult to access or filled with clutter. Before the technician arrives, make these out-of-the-way places as accessible as possible to make for an efficient inspection.
It similarly makes sense to trim back any trees, shrubs or plants that may be touching the exterior of the home. This will make it far easier for the technician to see the signs of termite activity.
Keep in mind that the inspector also may need to take a look at sinks and drains around the property. Items stored under sinks can be temporarily relocated to facilitate this. Further, anything that is leaning against walls outside the home or in the garage can be moved about two feet away from the walls.
WHAT DOES A TERMITE INSPECTION CONSIST OF?
Most termite inspections will keep the technician on your property for about a-half to an hour. Of course, if your property is extensive or if parts of your home are difficult to access, the inspection may take longer.
Inspectors are trained to look at both interior and exterior portions of your home, seeking the signs of an infestation. Most often, these signs include wings that have been shed by reproductive termites, termite waste products, mud tunnels on foundations and other surfaces and wood with visible damage.
The inspection is likely to be very thorough, with the technician looking at crawl spaces, attics and basements in addition to windows, door frames, baseboards and walls. Be prepared for the inspector to look into cabinets, cupboards and closets as well because termite activity is most likely to be found in dark, secluded places where human activity is minimal.
Kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms also will receive special consideration. This is because these are the places where your home’s plumbing is located. A water leak is incredibly attractive to subterranean termites, as is wood that is damaged by water. These areas could be a hot spot of termite activity.
Outside the house, the inspector will focus on the eaves and walls while also examining the foundation for signs of mud tunnels. The surrounding yard and garden also will be examined to look for signs of termite activity.
WILL TERMITES GO AWAY ON THEIR OWN?
Unfortunately, termites are remarkably persistent pests that do not go away on their own. As long as there is food for the colony, it will remain in the home. Since termites are adapted to eat virtually everything in and around your home, they will not run out of food for a very long time.
Of course, most of that activity takes place in underground places or in spots around the home that people do not frequently enter. This means that it could be possible for a termite colony to be feeding on the property for months or even years before the homeowner is aware of it.
The result may be massive damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. In rare cases, the damage is so extensive that the family must vacate the premises until they are once again safe to occupy.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I INSPECT FOR TERMITES?
Most experts recommend that every home be inspected for signs of termite activity or damage at least once every year. This ensures that termite inspections usually are identified before they get really out of hand. Annual inspections also serve to identify vulnerabilities like holes or cracks in the building exterior or water leaks that may attract termites so that these problems can be efficiently addressed.
DO HOME INSPECTORS CHECK FOR TERMITES?
Home inspectors do perform a perfunctory check for signs of termite damage or an ongoing infestation. However, even the most well-trained and sharp-eyed home inspector does not have the same in-depth training and knowledge as that of a licensed pest control technician. Accordingly, a home inspector may miss subtle clues that are apparent to a termite inspection expert.
Also, it is worth considering that home inspectors are not qualified or prepared to treat an infestation. This means that you would have to then contact an exterminator, who would want to perform his own inspection.
Home inspectors are an essential and necessary part of the process for buying or selling a home in Doylestown. If you are working with a home inspector who is concerned about signs of termite damage on your property, then it is wise to follow up with a pest control provider.
However, if you are not involved in a real estate transaction, and you are concerned about termite damage, then it is smartest to call an exterminator first.
ARE TERMITE INSPECTIONS WORTH IT?
Homeowners may not like the idea of paying for a termite inspection, especially if they aren’t certain that they actually have a problem. However, consider that a full termite inspection may cost just a few hundred dollars while ignoring the problem could end up with a bill for multiple thousands of dollars.
Additionally, termites may not be the only pest problem on the property. A termite inspection may uncover other pests that also may cause damage or make the people in the home ill.
These are serious issues that may affect the family not only financially but also physically. When seen from this standpoint, it becomes clear that most homeowners can’t afford to ignore the warning signs of a termite infestation.
Regular termite and other pest inspections help to protect your home from destruction and your family potential illness. Act now to ensure that your family is protected against unwanted pests.
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TERMITE INSPECTION?
Industry experts agree that the first step in effective termite control is to have your home or business undergo a full termite inspection regularly. The process begins with a thorough inspection of the property to identify that the pest in question actually is subterranean termites. If a termite presence is found recommendations will be made concerning treatment and prevention.
An inspection takes less than an hour. Having a home or business professionally inspected by a certified technician is the best way to help detect the presence of termites and prevent extensive damage.
Schedule a FREE termite control inspection today.
