TERMITE INSPECTION PHILADELPHIA, PA
Posted by Admin
When homeowners consider threats to their property, they are most likely to think about fires, floods and other natural disasters. However, there is another threat that is just as problematic and far more likely to occur. This threat is a termite infestation.
Termites cause more damage to homes and businesses every year than fires, floods and high winds. While the signs of damage from natural disasters and fires are immediately apparent, the same cannot be said for termite damage. The National Pest Management Association has estimated that termites cause approximately $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S. alone. Clearly, this should be an ongoing concern for any property owner.
The reason that termites are able to cause such large scale damage is that their destructive tendencies are subtle. They work in the dark, frequenting spaces in buildings where people rarely go. Termites eat wood, which means that they are attracted to the building's structural timbers. Wood that supplies support for floors and ceilings is vulnerable, as are wall studs and subfloors. The damage does not end there. Termites may infest furniture, paneling and drywall, causing wholesale destruction wherever they roam.
Termites live in large colonies in which the members care for one another. When conditions are right, meaning that plenty of wood is available, reproduction escalates. A single colony may have hundreds of thousands of members. If the colony becomes too large, it may split into two or more colonies. Suddenly, the property owner is dealing with a huge infestation that causes massive amounts of damage.
However, most of it is happening out of sight. People may not know they have a problem until something catastrophic occurs. It is infinitely better to have a professional termite inspection before this stage is reached.
THE TERMITE INSPECTION PROCESS
Termite inspections are not something that a property owner should attempt to do themselves. This is because the average person may not where to look for termites, and may not recognize the signs of a termite infestation. In fact, termites can be so clever about the damage they cause that even a seasoned inspector may miss some of the warning signs. Fortunately, a well-trained technician rarely overlooks anything in a termite inspection.
Termite inspections tend to be fairly time intensive. The entire interior of the building will be inspected. This includes basements and crawlspaces. Even the attic may be reviewed to check for the presence of termites or other troublesome pests. The inspector further takes a close look at the building's exterior.
AN INSPECTOR'S CHECKLIST FOR TERMITES
There are several key pieces of evidence that a trained technician will look for when conducting a termite inspection. Although these are indications you might also be able to identify yourself, untrained eyes often fail to detect the presence of termites until substantial damage is done.
PRESENCE OF MUD TUBES
One of the most common telltale signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes on the buildings. Frequently, these are found on the foundation or in the basement or crawlspace. Termites use the tunnels like freeways to help them get around materials that they cannot eat. Additionally, the mud tubes provide protection from the elements, like sunlight, that can promote dehydration.
The inspector also will look for mud deposited in construction joints or in small holes and cracks. Termites block these openings with mud to provide protection from the elements. The inspector even looks for potential problems on the property. These problems may include wood fencing placed close to a structure or wood mulch that is used just a few inches away from the foundation. Even a pile of firewood can be a potential hazard when it is located too close to structures.
In most cases, the existence of mud tubes leaves little doubt about the likelihood of a termite infestation.
DISCOVERING WOOD DAMAGE
Throughout the inspection, the technician will check sections of wood in areas commonly known to attract termites. The technician will listen for a flat sound. Such sounds indicate the likely presence of
termites and evidence that the wood is being hollowed from the inside, which can cause significant damage to structural joints.
TERMITE SWARMS
In the spring and summer, subterranean termites swarm in order to establish new colonies, leaving behind piles of discarded wings.
EVIDENCE OF FRASS
Termite droppers are small, roundish pellets. They're usually found on baseboards, window sills, and door jambs if termites are present
OBSERVING BUCKLED PAINT
If you see cracking or peeling of the exterior walls, check for signs of termite damage. Termite damage often causes cracks and holes in the wallboard. These openings allow water and air to penetrate the interior of the building. Moisture inside the walls may cause them to crack and peel.
DO YOU NEED A TERMITE INSPECTION?
You can save thousands of dollars in household repairs if you prevent termite damage from occurring. A timely termite inspection by a qualified professional can help avoid the cost and headache of repairing termite damage.
A HOME PURCHASE OR SALE
Termite inspections and treatments are generally not covered by homeowners insurance. A termite inspection may be required by your lender as part of your loan approval process if you are purchasing a home. This inspection can provide assurance that the dwelling is free of termites.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Scheduling an annual pest inspection for your home is an easy and affordable way to help protect against expensive termite damages and give you some piece of mind.
Home and business owners will discover that having routine termite inspections provides them with several benefits. The first of these is peace of mind. Regular inspections can alert property owners to new problems before they become more difficult to manage. Also, they keep people informed about the overall health and safety of their property. That is something that can help anyone sleep easier at night.
Routine termite inspections also translate to financial savings. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to properties before the owner is even aware that there is a problem.
Another valuable benefit that property owners get from regular termite inspections is the knowledge that their home or office is structurally sound. This is especially important when people are considering selling the property. If a termite problem is discovered during the inspection or appraisal, then it may become impossible to sell the property until the termites are removed and the damage is repaired. When routine inspections are conducted, this is not a concern.
Regular termite inspections are an essential aspect of property ownership. Homes, offices, retail spaces and industrial sites all need the attention of a well-trained Philadelphia termite technician. With their assistance, property owners will quickly realize the benefits that a termite inspection can hold for them.
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TERMITE INSPECTION?
Industry experts agree that one of the best ways to protect your home or business is to subject the structure to a full termite inspection at least every two to three years.
Call for a FREE termite inspection today.
