If you own a home, there’s a good chance you’ve heard all about the importance of having your property inspected for termites. The thought of these wood-eating pests gnawing their way around you without you even knowing can be quite disturbing. Because of the extremely destructive nature of termites, regular inspections aren’t something you want to neglect to have done. A professional pest control company will know exactly what to look for during a termite inspection so you can be informed right away if treatment is necessary.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are one of the biggest indications of a termite problem. Termites build these tunnels to help protect them as they travel between a home and their colony. They are generally formed in crawlspaces, around the foundation, close to pipes, near windows and sometimes even on the interior of ceilings. Your inspector will do a thorough check for mud tubes around your property and try to identify if they are from a past or present termite infestation if they find any.
Evidence of Wood Damage
Wood damage is harder to recognize than you would think. Termites actually consume wood from the inside out, so a lot of times it takes a trained professional to be able to determine wood damage even when it can’t be seen. Special tools and a qualified ear help inspectors to hear hollow sounds or tiny noises that the pests are making.
Signs of a Swarm
To inexperienced homeowners, swarming termites can look just like flying ants. Your termite inspection will involve looking for signs of winged insects inside your home and analyzing the body features to establish whether or not you’re dealing with termites or something a little less serious.
Attractive Features
Your property could be host to any number of features that would call out to termites and provide the perfect breeding grounds for them. Of course, these are typically features comprised of wood, such as mulch, fencing, rotting stumps, firewood and timber-made structures (sheds, workshops, decks, etc.). Though these items don’t automatically mean you have or will get termites, they will still be a part of your inspection so your exterminator can assess how attractive they are and how much of a liability they may be.
Potential Entry Points
Finally, there are plenty of entry points that you are likely unaware of creating easy access for termites to move right on in. Your inspector will point these out and give you valuable suggestions for closing them off and making them inaccessible to prevent the threat of future infestations.
Termite problems are something you definitely don’t want to ever have to deal with as a homeowner, and professional termite inspections are critical to prevention tactics.
