If you notice signs of termite problems on your property, it’s essential to act fast. Schedule a termite treatment with a trustworthy pest control company like On Demand Pest Control to get rid of them. The initial step in completely removing termites is to have a professional technician conduct a thorough termite inspection. During the inspection, the technician will examine your property for termites and other wood destroying insects.
The usual duration for a termite inspection is one to two hours, depending on the area’s size. However, there are certain actions you can take to make the inspection process more efficient.
What Does a Termite Inspector Look For?
The termite inspector will check accessible areas carefully for signs of termite infestation and damage caused by wood destroying organisms.
The inspector needs to identify signs of termite activities, including water pooling on the rooftop and around the foundation area. Additionally, timber mulch near the foundation, and any wooden deck supports in contact with the soil.
What Does a Termite Inspector Check?
When inspecting for termite infestation, a termite inspector searches for various signs, such as:
- wood damage
- mud tubes
- discarded wings
- termite exit holes
- termite droppings
In addition, your inspector will search for any factors that may promote termite infestations.
What Areas Do Termite Inspectors Inspect?
Specialists inspect termites by focusing on the common entry points where the termites enter and behave according to their species. The inspector will check for termite activity by inspecting inside and outside of the house.
This includes the lowest level, foundation, basement, accessible attics, and crawl spaces. If subterranean termites are suspected, the inspector will also inspect exposed wood, hardwood floors, attics, eaves, and crawlspaces if accessible. Furniture made of wood is another potential location in which an inspector may look for signs of drywood termites.
When a termite inspector suspects termite activity in an inaccessible area, they will take note of the conditions. Then, they will suggest ways to thoroughly inspect the area using specialized tools. Sometimes, they will suggest drilling small holes in walls or other places to check for termite activity.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TERMITE INSPECTION
To prevent termites from entering their homes, savvy homeowners stay vigilant. A crucial part of this is arranging regular termite inspections for termite control. Once you have scheduled an inspection, it’s only natural to wonder what preparations you should make. While there’s no need to worry, there are several things you can do to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
Do a Little Bit of Rearranging
Prepare for the inspector by moving any items under the sinks in your kitchen and bathroom. In your garage, anything stored against the walls should be moved about two feet away. For anything outside against the walls of your home, you’ll need to move them two feet out as well.
Make it Easy to Access the Attic
Before the inspector arrives, it is important to remove any obstructions blocking the entrance to the attic. Make sure the inspector can access the space without your belongings being damaged by falling debris during the inspection.
Clear the Crawl Space
Ensure that the crawl space entrance for elevated houses is unobstructed so that the inspector can easily access it. Remove any objects blocking the opening, and ensure that nothing stored inside the crawl space will hinder the inspector’s examination.
Take Care of Some Landscaping
Make sure to cut back any plants, such as bushes or ground cover, that cover the outside walls or foundation.
How to Help Prevent Future Termite Infestations
After finishing the inspection, the inspector will inform you of their conclusions. The inspector might suggest pest control measures if there is an infestation. In the event that none exist, suggestions for safeguarding your residence could be offered by them. They may also provide guidance on keeping termites at bay by adopting good practices, which may involve:
Getting Rif of Excess Moisture
To avoid water damage to your home, fix leaky faucets and don’t let water collect near your foundation. Minimize the risk of water damage by keeping your gutters free of debris. Use downspouts to direct water away from your home. Additionally, be sure to properly grade the soil surrounding your home to ensure that water flows away from the foundation.
Keeping Landscaping Clean
Keeping wood debris, mulch, and firewood away from the outer surfaces of your home can help prevent termites from entering. Remove any old stumps or dead trees from your property as well. Prevent wood to soil contact around your house and fences. Make sure to trim trees and shrubs away from the house to prevent termites from entering through the wood surfaces.
Repairing Your Roof and Attic as Soon as There’s an Issue
Termites damaging wooden beams in the attic can easily access them through broken roof tiles and attic entrances.
Saying No To Cardboard
To prevent termites from invading your home, it’s important to minimize the amount of cardboard boxes in your garage or attic. Cardboard boxes can serve as a food source for termites, making them one of the leading causes of infestations.
Keeping Your Eyes Open To Signs of a Termite Infestation
To detect the presence of termites:
- Check your window sills for discarded wings
- Listen for hollow sounds when walking on your floors
- Examine the exterior of your home for mud tubes.
SCHEDULING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION BY A PROFESSIONAL
Expert termite inspectors can identify signs of termite infestation that you might have missed, including evidence of swarms. Furthermore, they can recommend treatment for a current infestation or suggest preventive measures for future termite invasions.
Contact On Demand Pest Control now to schedule a home inspection and determine if there is any pest activity. They can assist you with anything you may need.
