If you suspect termites have invaded your property, you want them gone as soon as possible. The first step in total termite removal is a professional termite inspection. A technician will do a thorough check to see if there are termites on the premises.
So how long does a termite inspection take? Typically, it takes the inspector about an hour or two to complete, depending on the size of the location. Of course, there are steps you can take to make the process even smoother.
The Termite Inspection Process
Scheduling an inspection is fast and easy. You’ll contact the pest control service either online or on the phone. Make sure you schedule the appointment for a time when you’ll be at the location. You’ll need to guide the technician through your property.
Make Sure the Technician Can Access Key Areas
Termites thrive in cramped, out-of-the-way places. To properly prepare for the inspection, you’ll want to focus on the following areas.
Clear Out a Few Spaces
First, you’ll need to clear out everything from underneath the sinks. Plumbing lines are a common entry point for termites, so the inspector will need to check all pipes and water sources.
Additionally, you’ll want to make some space in your garage. Push boxes, cabinets, and other items at least two feet away from the walls. Do the same for any items outside, too.
Clear a Path to the Attic
The inspector will need to check out the attic, so make sure the entryway is clear and accessible. If possible, pull all items at least two feet away from the walls. Also, make sure anything needed to enter the attic, such as a pull-down staircase, is safe to use.
Make sure all of your things are secured. The pest control professional often will need to walk on the roof, which may disrupt items inside.
Make It Easy to Access the Crawl Space
If your home has a crawl space, you’ll need to provide clear access for the inspector. Remove as much as you can from the area.
The crawl space is another common entry point for termites. They are attracted to both the wood and moisture found there.
What Happens During the Inspection?
During the inspection, the technician will thoroughly examine every area of your property. They’ll focus on areas where termites like to live and hide, such as baseboards, door frames, cabinets, closets, and crawl spaces.
The technician will likely spend a lot of time in the kitchen, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Termites travel along pipes to bypass concrete barriers and enter a home. Keeping these areas free from clutter helps the pest control professional identify even the smallest signs of an infestation.
After checking the interior, the technician will then inspect the exterior. They’ll examine the building’s exterior walls, eaves, and foundation for damage. They’ll also study other parts of the property for mounds and damaged wood.
Even though termites prefer to stay out of sight, the inspection won’t result in any damage to your property. Technicians understand how to look within pipes and baseboards without drilling. Also, there are no harmful chemicals involved in the inspection process.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After the technician has examined your property, they’ll present you with a report. If they found termites, it will include the approximate size of the infestation and where it’s concentrated. They’ll also outline any damages and any other pertinent information.
Then, the technician will present you with an estimate that includes treatment, repairs, and any follow-up removal needs. They’ll work with you to determine the best termite control for your needs and budget.
Aside from exterminating the current infestation, you may benefit from regular preventative spraying. It’s often the most cost-effective way to keep termites away. Preventative treatments will vary based on location, the type of structure you need to protect, and other factors.
Key Pieces of Evidence You Might Also Be Able to Pick Up on Yourself
While nothing is as accurate as a professional inspection, termites do leave behind a few tell-tale signs of infestation.
Mud Tubes
Many termite species construct mud tubes that they use for shelter, travel, and water. Also called mud tunnels, they are often found in the yard or on foundation walls and support pillars. Each passageway is about the width of a pencil.
Not all types of termites create mud tubes. Even if you don’t have tubes on your property, you may still have an infestation of drywall or subterranean termites.
Wood Damage
Termites can cause immense destruction to wood. They can even destroy structural joints, resulting in structural instability and possible collapse.
One way to detect the presence of termites is to knock on any wood surfaces. If the wood sounds hollow, termites might have created tunnels inside. You can also pry back wood paneling to look inside your walls.
Evidence of Swarms
Even large termite infestations aren’t always easy to see. However, pay close attention during periods with warm weather. That’s when subterranean termites will leave their colony to start new ones.
As part of the formation process, they’ll shed their wings. Piles of shed wings, typically white and teardrop-shaped, are a sign of infestation. You can find them inside or outside your premises.
Termite Inspections for Home Purchases
Termite inspections often play an essential role in home sales.
Sellers should schedule a termite inspection before putting the property on the market. If you find termites, you can include extermination or repair costs as part of the purchase price. Plus, acknowledging the presence of termites early on can help you avoid escrow delays.
Homebuyers will likely need to show proof the house is free from termites and other pests as part of the loan approval process. Choose a pest control company that understands how to prepare documentation that satisfies your state’s real estate disclosure laws.
At Stampede Pest Control, we provide a complete line of residential and commercial termite inspection and extermination services. We provide services across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and surrounding cities. With over ten years of experience, we can identify any signs of infestation.
Contact us today to schedule your termite inspection!