Termite Inspection

• Subterranean termites – known for their underground prowess. They travel through mud tunnels under your home. They are similar to dampwood termites in terms of environmental preferences and food preferences.
• Dampwood termites – environmental preferences are any rotted trees that have fallen to the ground and are damp. The wetter and more moisture there is with the wood, the more the termites love it.
• Drywood termites – these termites enjoy a nice dry area. Dry forests and wooded areas of a home are great food sources for drywood termites. They love furniture and larger older trees.

There are many visible signs of a termite invasion. Let’s review all of the signs of a possible termite infestation.

• Mud tubes – these mud tunnels or highways found near a wood source are a likely sign that termites are in the neighborhood.
• Discarded wings -when a new colony is established, many termites that are known swarmers will shed their wings. Identifying these wings is a clear sign of termites.
• Excrement – if you see little wood pellets that look like coffee grounds, that is “frass” or termite poop.
• Damaged wood – finding hollow wood pieces in your home is a clear indication. Going around and knocking on the walls can give you a clear indication of termites.
• Bubbling paint – check the source for the bubbling paint. It could be from another situation with your home. Termites are just one causes of bubbling paint.

Keeping any insects away from your home is a very complicated task. There are so many types of insects lurking in your yard, that it is important to have a pest prevention plan in place. Always remember that there are some great ways at home that you can assist with pest prevention and termite problems. Let’s take a look:

• Keep the Landscape manicured – ensuring that your landscape is well maintained can keep your home free from debris. Feed your lawn and plants with insecticides, fertilizer, and pesticides to keep the landscaping looking great.
• Throw away cardboard – if you keep cardboard boxes in your garage or storage areas, throw them out. Replace them with plastic bins. Insects love to chew on paper and cardboard.
• Clean your home – all pests and insects love dirty things. The dirtier the home the more they love your home. Consider the trash lying around your home as shelter and a food source for insects.
• Maintenance – ensure that all maintenance is taken care of throughout the year. Getting repairs done is key to keeping insects away. Always remember that insects love water as much as humans. So, keeping excess water damage and moisture to a minimum or even from occurring is important. Also, be sure to seal all cracks and crevices in and around your home.
• Get an inspection – having an annual home inspection is important. This is a great way to ensure all systems are working properly. Whether it is an older home or newer, you will save money down the road as you find minor issues before they become bigger issues. As mentioned earlier, having regular termite inspections annually will help.
• Be diligent about your home – always notice when things look out of place in and around your home. Getting any items fixed before they become bigger issues is key. Explore your attic, crawlspace, or basement to ensure all looks healthy and as it should. Termites love these places for their available food and shelter and you want to make sure they are termite free.
• Limit your home moisture – moisture in a home not only promotes mold growth, but also attracts insects like termites. It is best to keep your moisture levels at a minimum.

Termite inspections have an initial upfront cost of around $150. Once you have committed to a termite company, they will present you with a contract for maintaining their various traps and termite prevention program. A typical termite pest control contract can cost you between $600 and $1,000. It all depends on the size of your home. Most companies charge by linear foot. This can cost between $3 to $16 per linear foot.