A Termite Inspection is the process of determining the presence and extent of infestations in a home or business. The purpose of this type of inspection is to prevent further damage and destruction from occurring, by identifying and removing infestations before they have the opportunity to spread. It is a step by step process that is comprehensive in its approach, as it not only identifies existing infestations, but also attempts to prevent future infestations. A Termite Inspection is often used in conjunction with other household maintenance programs such as periodic wood maintenance, pest control, winter maintenance, landscaping, and periodic steam cleaning of the structure.
A Termite Inspection typically includes the following: ground sample (for soil composition analysis, and for sub-cutaneous material testing), sampling of the interior (including structural framing and interior wood) and exterior (including insulated and uninsulated walls and ceiling), waxing samples (to determine presence of termite colonies), and inspection of crawlspaces and insulation. Some inspectors also perform a sub-area survey, as well as a site survey, to assess the extent of the infestation. A qualified Termite Inspector can perform all of these onsite inspections. Sometimes, Termite Inspectors are called in to perform “off site” surveys in private residences and commercial buildings where public access is restricted.
Termite Damage occurs to the structure and the contents when the insects eat through wood, causing a building or residence to become unhealthy and uninhabitable. In addition, damage can be caused by infestations of bugs, which feed on termites. Commonly, termites are found in structures that are improperly constructed. Termite damage can cause significant property loss, serious illness, and sometimes death. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that over 4 billion dollars are lost each year from the damage and infestation of termites caused by the two most common household pests, subterranean pests and drywood termites. Each year, the value of homes affected by termite damage exceeds six billion dollars.
When a termite inspection is performed on your property, the inspector will typically do an inspection at the exterior of your house. This is usually done on the first day of the year, although some companies may perform it as late as the third day of the year. This inspection will check for evidence of a termite infestation. Termite damage can vary greatly. For example, some areas infestations are small and only affect a few square feet of wood, while others can invade your entire home. Common areas infested by termites include attics, crawlspaces, under decks, on porches, in crawl spaces and underneath structure near the foundation.
You may be wondering why you would need a Termite Inspection. The reason is simple: as a homeowner, you want to know about the safety of your family. A Termite inspection is one of the best ways to protect your home and the people living in it. One of the ways that termites can harm people and pets is through poison gas produced by the beetles. If the infestation is not addressed, it can also kill a person or pet through inhalation. Both of these are situations that you will not want to have to deal with.
If a termite inspection has been requested prior to the purchase of your home, you can be assured that your new home will be pest free. The previous owner was informed about the existence of these wood-destroying insects and treated the premises accordingly. In some areas, the inspector will also ask you to do an inspection of the home’s siding. This is another great reason to have a Termite Inspection: you want to know about the condition of your siding. If it has cracks, holes or other signs of damage, you will not want to purchase your home.
When you have a termite inspection, you can be sure that the damage is confined to the interior of the house. Many times, this can mean the difference between a successful purchase and one that will end up being an expensive repair project. It is common for termites to enter into houses through holes or crevices. Sometimes, they can enter through a crack in the exterior wall. By accessing the inside of your home, a Termite Inspector can visually inspect all possible entry points and evaluate the extent of the damage.
Termite Inspection Sunshine Coast
The reason that a Termite Inspection is beneficial is that it can help identify wood-destroying insects that have been around for years but have not been detected by termite control companies. These companies often use pesticides that can be harmful to pets and people. A Termite Inspector can help homeowners and contractors identify these insects before using these chemicals. The Termite Inspector can also give advice on how to prevent the future infestations by providing education on proper pest control procedures.