Why get a termite inspection?

You’re mistaken if you think your home is just your place to be. Many other hidden intruders are living with you in your house. Take termites, for example. These species not only reside in your home but also feed on it. Yes, your house is their food! Termites intend to make a meal out of your property—quite literally.

It’s hard to say that any place in your house is safe from them. Walls, floorboards, beams, decks, you name it, and they eat it. This is exactly why they’re a major concern for you. Termites are destructive household pests, and they cause billions of dollars of property damage annually. As an estimate, these pests cause over $5 billion in damage yearly in the United States.

Termites make their nests either underground or deep in your home’s structure. Thus, they’re hard to find and treat. If you suspect any termite activity, it’s time to call for a termite inspection.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can make your way through the mud tubes and secure your property. Read on to learn more about these uninvited guests and how to handle them with inspections.

Signs of Termite Activity

Mud Tubes

These are the most apparent signs of termite activity. Termites construct mud tubes along foundations or walls to travel between their nest and food source. These tubes are usually brown and might also look like small tunnels. So, if you see anything like this, that is it.

Discarded Wings

During the swarming season, termites shed their wings when they find a suitable mate to grow their colony. So, if you find discarded wings, that’s a sign that the colony is about to grow. And this should really alarm you. You might find these wings at doorways, windowsills, or other entry points that indicate an active termite infestation.

Wood Damage

Wood is every termite’s favorite. They feed on it from the inside out, and you might notice hollow-sounding wood or wood that appears damaged or crumbles easily. For this, you can check for darkened or blistered areas on wooden surfaces, as these are the clear signs of termite activity.

Piles of Frass

If you want to look for signs of termite activity, you need to be alert and actually “look out.” Frass is termite droppings that resemble small pellets and can accumulate near infested wood or along baseboards. So, if you notice anything similar, then it’s time to schedule an inspection.

Sagging Floors or Ceilings

Since termites feed on structural wood, they weaken the home’s support beams. Eventually, this leads to sagging floors or ceilings. This is a major indicator that something is going wrong, and it’s time to call professionals for help.

Tight Fitting Doors or Windows

Homeowners often complain about swollen or difficult-to-open doors and windows. They might think that something is wrong with them, but for real, this is a sign of moisture buildup caused by termite activity.

Why Do You Need A Termite Inspection?

You should schedule a termite inspection for home purchase, maintenance, or selling for many reasons.

The first reason revolves around the damage caused by termites. Termites can be a major headache, especially if they are not detected and it is too late. Once you get a termite inspection, it’s best to identify the infestations early and prevent costly structural issues.

FYI: In the St. Louis Metro area and South Western, IL, basic structural repairs, such as fixing small or shallow foundation cracks, can cost around $5,000. More advanced repairs, such as major cracks or foundation repairs with underpinning, can cost around $10,000. Extensive structural repairs, such as rebuilding a foundation or main walls, can cost $18,000 or more.

Furthermore, termite inspections can also help ensure your property’s safety and integrity. Termites surely will weaken the structural integrity of the building because, again, it’s their food. But this will pose significant safety hazards for you and your loved ones. With termite inspections, you can promptly identify and address termite infestations to keep your home safe for you and your family.

Termite inspection is also a great way to save money in the long run. Yes, it might seem like an extra expense at first, but the inspection really becomes worth it because it saves you from the upcoming costly issues. The inspection fee is minimal compared to the potential cost of repairing termite damage. These issues can go beyond just structural ones. You might also need to fix cosmetic damage, wood replacement costs, electrical damage, etc. With regular termite inspections, you can identify and address issues before they escalate into significant issues. This will save you time and money, both in the future.

The Termite Inspection Process

The process starts with scheduling a termite inspection with your chosen company. You can either schedule it over the phone or online. Then, you shall set up a time with a licensed technician. You must know that someone must be home to escort the inspector and give them access. The inspector might need access to your garage, house, or other structures with termite activity.

Pro Tip: You aren’t usually required to prep before the inspector arrives at your house. But at times, the companies might expect you to take several measures. A good rule of thumb is ensuring that the technician can access key areas. These include your attic, crawl space, and garage.

Later, your technician will inspect every nook and cranny of your home. They will search for the signs of termite infestations and activity, focusing on the above mentioned ones. The time to complete the inspection will depend on your property’s size and how accessible your woodwork is. While in general, it can take around 45 minutes to one hour.

After the inspection is completed, the inspector will guide you over their findings. They might also recommend certain measures that you can take to handle termite infestations.

Conclusion

The importance of getting a termite inspection cannot be overstated. Termites pose a significant threat to your home’s integrity. And so, investing in regular inspections is a proactive step towards protecting your property and your investment.

Detecting termite infestations can prevent costly damage and ensure your home’s structural integrity. Moreover, termite inspections will offer peace of mind, knowing the property is free from destructive pests. These also provide you significant savings in repair costs and assurance of a safe and

Ready to protect your home from potential threats like termites? Schedule a comprehensive termite inspection with Hawley Home Inspections today! Our expert team will thoroughly assess your property, detect any signs of termite activity, and provide you with actionable insights to safeguard your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take proactive steps to protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your home.