As we already explained in our previous post that how much damage termites cause in our homes. If you are not aware of this, please read our previous post – Termite Damage – Causes & Precautions. Now in this post, we explain to you – How to inspect your home for termites, before purchasing.
In this post, we will discuss almost all topics about “Termite Inspection”. So that you should get a complete guide before you purchase a home. So, here is the list of topics that we are covering below in the post:
- Why You need to Inspect your House
- The Termite Inspection Process
- Things Exterminators Check During Termite Inspections
- Termoite Inspection Cost?
Let’s elaborate on each point one by one:
1. Why do You need to Inspect your House
Even though you don’t have to have a termite inspector, there are still reasons we believe it is important.
1. Even if They aren’t Visible, Termites Could Still be Active
Termites damage an estimated 600,000 homes a year in the United States. This doesn’t include any other wood-destroying organisms. It can do serious damage, and it can be hard to spot them. We recommend that you have a termite inspection done by licensed inspectors.
They can live for as long as five years before they become large enough to cause real damage. The damage is not visible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t there.
2. Termite Damage can be Costly
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites alone cause over $5 billion in property damage annually, a cost not covered by homeowners insurance.
A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage. The cost of a simple inspection is $50-$100. This will help you decide if you need a termite inspection prior to closing.
2. The Termite Inspection Process
It is very simple. You just need to do the follow these steps, which are mentioned below:
Step-1. You first need to schedule an inspection online or by phone with the company you choose.
Step-2. You can set up an appointment with a licensed technician who works for you.
Step-3. They will need access to your home, garage, or any other structures that you wish to inspect.
STep-4. While some companies won’t need any preparation before arriving at your home, others will require you to take several steps to prepare. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the technician can access any key areas–primarily your attic, sink, garage, and crawl space if you have one.
STep-5. Take out any clutter from your attic and remove anything that blocks access to your crawl space.
The technician will inspect your home and search for signs of termite activity. The technician will search for evidence of subterranean termites and drywood termites. It will take a little longer depending on the size of your property and how easily your woodwork is accessible, but generally, it takes around 45 minutes according to Terminix representatives.
The technician will finish the inspection and explain what they discovered, how they can eliminate wood-destroying organisms, and provide a quote for treatment.
3. Things Exterminators Check During Termite Inspections
In the process of termite inspections, the technician team will examine these 4 things in your house. Which are given below:
1. Evidence of swarmers:
Three types of termites are found in the United States, with the most common being subterranean. Alates are winged, mature termite adults that have been established in colonies. They fly off to build their nests. If you find termites flying in large numbers, it is possible that there is a termite colony near your home.
2. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes that act as bridges between the colony and the wood that they eat. To avoid dehydration and navigate around obstacles that may hinder their movement. These tubes are made from tiny pieces of soil, wood, and other debris. They help conserve moisture and protect the colony against predators.
3. Construction Joints
MudTermites are a great little builder. They can seal small gaps with soil to make a protective layer on their way to your house. There may be crushed dirt or tubes near your doors’ hinges. This is still an indication that termites are present and have made their way to your nearest piece of wood furniture.
4. Your Landscape: Wood
This may not be a good indicator of termite activity in your home but it will help you to be more vigilant during a pest or termite inspection.
4. Termoite Inspection Cost?
how much does Termite Inspection cost? It depends on many factors, including the colony size, the type, and the severity of the damage. The majority termite control When quoting for a treatment, professionals will consider the size of the structure, whether it has damp or dry wood that encourages termite colonies, and what type of treatment is required.
5. What is the Cost of Termite Treatment?
A termite treatment costs on average $200-$900, with an average treatment costing $560. The cost of treatment is $3-$16 per square foot. There are many ways to treat termites. Each method has its benefits and can be used for specific species. Below are five of the most popular termite treatments, along with their associated costs.
1. Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments are liquid soil treatments applied to the exterior of homes. These chemicals include imidacloprid and permethrin as well as arsenic trioxide. Subterranean termites and drywood termites are best treated with chemical treatments.
Chemical or liquid soil treatments involve digging trenches or drilling holes around the house (sometimes directly into the foundations) and then pouring the chemicals into these holes. Chemical treatments cost between $3 and $16 per square foot.
2. Bait Treatments
Subterranean termites and drywood termites also benefit from bait treatments. Bait treatments are a method of injecting bait into the homes. The holes are then dug or drilled and bait stations are placed.
The termites then eat the poison and return it to their colonies. These treatments are more expensive than chemical treatments, as they require more visits and are often less precise. Bait treatments cost between $8 and $12 per linear foot.
3. Tenting Treatments
Tenting treatments are required to treat larger termite infestations. They cover more area than chemical and bait services, and can be used throughout the home. While these treatments are best for termites in the home, they are not effective against underground infestations.
The entire structure is covered with a tent, and then termite-killing chemicals can be introduced to the enclosed area. You can either price your tent by flat rate (from $1200 to $2500) or per linear foot (usually between $5-20 per linear foot).
4. Fumigation Treatments
Fumigation, which is a more aggressive termite treatment option, is similar to tenting but uses gas instead. The entire house is covered with a tent and then lethal gas is pumped in, killing all termites. The treatment takes several hours and all residents and pets must be out of the house for three to five days. Fumigation costs range from $10 to $20 per square foot.
5. Heat Tenting Treatments
The final treatment option for termites is heat tenting. This organic, chemical-free treatment can be used to treat the entire house or a particular room. The treatments can be completed in approximately 8 hours. To control the temperature, heat tenting involves covering the treated area with a tent. The area is then heated until it reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, the temperature of the structural wood is monitored to ensure it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is enough heat to kill termites and their colonies. Once the temperature returns to normal, the tent is removed. These treatments are available in flat rates (usually between $800 to $2500) and per linear foot ($10 each).
Termites can be difficult to deal with and can prove costly. Scheduling an annual termite inspection, which averages about $100, can catch termite activity early, saving you from more costly treatments and repairs. It can save homeowners a lot of money. If you suspect you have a termite problem, contact a professional pest control company who can inspect your home for signs of termites and damage and use their findings to provide you with the most appropriate treatment solution for your situation.
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