What to Expect with a Termite Inspection

Did you know that termites infest and damage about 600,000 homes a year in the United States, or that homeowners across the country spend upwards of $5 billion annually to eradicate termites or repair termite damage? These numbers are massive and show the importance of home pest control. Any termite infestation is going to cause damage but identifying and exterminating a termite colony sooner rather than later could help save you a lot of money. At Smith Thompson Home Security, we offer services for pest control in Dallas, including inspections and extermination strategies for termite colonies. If you believe you might have a termite problem, or if you want to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you don’t, we can help.

When to Schedule a Termite Inspection

There can be numerous reasons to call in insect control in Dallas for a termite inspection. If you are buying or selling a home—especially one in a heavily wooded area—it is a smart idea to do due diligence for termites. Buying a house is a significant investment, and a termite infestation or past damage caused by termites can drastically undermine the value of the property. Finding out about a termite problem before you buy can save you from overpaying to inherit a big mess. Finding out about a termite problem before you try to sell your house can prevent a sale falling through later when inspectors or appraisers inevitably find signs of damage.

Of course, you should also call for an inspection if you spot signs of potential termite damage around your home. Depending on where termites are nesting, and feasting, the signs of termite damage can be quite diverse. You might notice loose, creaky, or buckling floorboards. You might see odd little holes, mazelike patterns, discoloration, or peeling paint on your drywall. You might notice mud tubes running up the foundation of your home. If you see any of these signs, or if you find a nest of termites in a dead tree or stump on your property, it’s wise to call for a termite inspection promptly.

Preparing for a Termite Inspection

If you do decide that it’s time to call for a termite inspection, know that the inspector will likely ask you to make several preparations around the house to make way for the inspection. Here are a few things you can do to get ready:

• Make a note of any signs of termite activity or damage that you have noticed.
• Move boxes and other items two feet away from the walls in the garage.
• If your home has a crawl space, clear any obstacles away from the entrance so that it is accessible.
• Clear a path to the attic.
• Remove objects from the cabinets beneath the sinks throughout your home.

The areas mentioned—garages, crawl spaces, attics, and under-sink areas—are all either common entrance spots for termites or areas where damage is often evident. They are also the spots in most homes that are most likely to be blocked or obscured by items in storage. Making these areas more accessible will streamline the inspection process and enable your inspector to move more quickly.

What to Expect During the Actual Inspection

When you call for termite/pest control in Dallas, you might be wondering what to expect from the process. Essentially, your inspector will move through your home looking for signs of termite activity or infestation. If you’ve already spotted what you think are signs of termites, your inspector will, of course, look at these spots. However, you can expect your inspector to give the home a thorough walkthrough, with eyes peeled for termite droppings, mud tubes, live termites, signs of termite swarms, such as discarded/shed wings, hollow wood, or other visual signs of damage. They will pay especially close attention to common termite access points, such as cracks in the foundation or expansion joints in the garage.

If the termite inspector finds evidence of termite activity or infestation, they will recommend a treatment strategy to eradicate any active colonies and eliminate the infestation from your property. At this stage, there may be multiple potential treatment options for you to consider. Your inspector should be able to give you a ballpark price quote for how much the treatments will cost, the time frame, and other details. If the inspector finds evidence of past termite activity but can’t pinpoint an active infestation, or if your property is free of termite damage or activity, he or she should still be able to recommend strategies to avoid termite infestations in the future.

Call for Pest Control in Dallas Today

A termite infestation can be a devastating thing to discover. No one likes to learn that insects are silently eating away at what is likely their most significant and valuable asset. However, in all cases, learning about termites earlier is always better. Treating the problem now rather than in a week, a month, or a year can mean thousands of dollars less in repair costs. So, if you think there might be a termite problem in your home, call Smith Thompson Home Security today to inquire about our insect control in Dallas.