Do I need a termite inspection before I buy a home?

A termite inspection is a critical step that new homebuyers should not overlook. Before buying a home, it’s a good idea to get a termite inspection. Getting a termite inspection for your home early on can save you money, time, and stress in the future.

A pest professional at a termite inspection will:

• Check for Termite Tubes-The presence of small tubes made from mud on the exterior surfaces of a property is a tell-tale sign of termite activity. Termite tubes may not indicate a current infestation, but they show that termites were there before. If there are no termites now, the tubes suggest they were there in the past. As subterranean insects, termites live underground. However, they must travel from their colonies to the properties they infest in order to feed. Termites build small tubes, about the size of a pencil, to protect themselves when they come out of their underground homes.
• Check Wooden Areas for Termite Damage- Look closely at the wooden parts of the home, as well as those of any exterior fences, garages, carports, sheds, and other structures. If you notice hollows in the wood along the grain, it’s very likely that termites have burrowed inside the wood, eating it from the inside out. Typically, the tunnels left by termites will be covered with dried soil. The absence of visible termite tunnels does not necessarily mean that the wood is free from damage. Keep in mind that termites can tunnel their way into wood from the backside. This means that active or prior termite infestation can be a factor in the condition of the home even if you don’t detect termite entry points on the visible parts of the wood.
• Check Drywall or Plaster Walls for Signs of Infestation- Termites may not eat drywall or plaster, but they often tunnel through these surfaces to reach the wood underneath. If you see small holes in the walls with dirt around them, termites may have entered the house. This is a common sign of a termite infestation. Termites can cause damage to the structure of the house. It is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. The absence of visible termite tunnels does not necessarily mean that the wood is free from damage. Keep in mind that termites can tunnel their way into wood from the backside. This means that active or prior termite infestation can be a factor in the condition of the home even if you don’t detect termite entry points on the visible parts of the wood.
• Look for Foundation Gaps and Cracks- Even though termites can cause serious damage to any type of structure, they are very tiny insects. One of the most common entry points for termites is gaps or cracks in a home’s foundation. They can enter a home through the tiniest foundation openings. Anywhere there is a tiny opening into the home is a good spot to check for termite tunnels and other signs of damage or infestation. Buying a home with termites can be problematic, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. If you decide to proceed with buying a home with termites, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals to ensure that you are fully aware of what you are taking on and can plan accordingly.

Here are some considerations:

• Extent of infestation
• Cost of remediation
• Long term monitoring and maintenance
• Resale value

A termite inspection should be considered an essential part of the home-buying process that can save money, provide negotiation leverage, offer peace of mind, and ensure the long-term health of a property. By investing in a termite inspection prior to purchase, new homeowners can protect themselves from unforeseen expenses and ensure their new home is a safe, enjoyable place to live. Call or contact Bio-Tech Pest Control to arrange a termite inspection at 281-296-6022.

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