The Importance of a Termite Inspection Before Purchasing Your Next Home

Posted On Wednesday, 04 November 2020 21:42

Purchasing a home is a milestone that has to be celebrated by taking all the necessary measures to make sure that the home will be of top-notch quality when you move in. Termites are one common problem in houses that can cause so much damage that a house may need to be demolished entirely.

Termites are a type of insect that feed on wood and other plant matter, which means that they love to eat the wood supports of a home. Finding the most suitable type of wood to use for a house can be challenging and may lead to using wood material that is easily destroyed by termites. Even if your house isn’t largely made of wood, you may have furniture or floors made of wood, or wood surrounding your house such as a wooden fence or cabin. Here are the reasons why it is important to have a termite inspection carried out before you purchase your next home. 

Inspection Flags the Root Problem

Before you start dealing with termite problems, it is important to first identify where you are dealing with your problem. You will need to determine the type of termite that you have. Once you have this information, you can then start making decisions on how to get rid of your termite problems. This is the kind of information that you can get from experts like Pest-Ex Termite Inspections. Left to your discretion, you might not be aware of the gravity of the situation regarding termites. 

1. Prevent Wood Destruction

If your purchase involves a wooden structure or a place that is surrounded by wood, you may need to have the place inspected. Termites can make holes in the boards of your house and weaken the overall structure of the building, making it unsafe for you and your loved ones. 

You should take any old boards that you may have lying around that you want to scrap off. This will not only help you avoid having to get rid of wood from a certain area but it will also prevent termites from attacking again. Professionals can help you determine the wood around the home that you may have to get rid of and those that can be left for treatment. You can take a look at the process involved by accessing 

2. Avoid Demolishing the House 

If the termite problem is left unattended for too long, the house may need to be demolished. Imagine having purchased a home only to realise that you might have to get rid of it in the short-term. The reason for this is because these termites tend to have more than enough energy and resources to continue living in your home. It also isn’t possible for your homeowner's insurance company to pay for the damages to your home may sustain. This is why it's important to have a professional flag whether a house is treatable or will have to be destroyed before you commit to purchasing.

3. Avoid Allergic Reactions and Other Medical Problems

If you move in into a termite-infested house, you run a risk of experiencing allergies. The presence of termites and their waste by-products can cause an allergy to come about that causes a reaction from the body in the form of pimples, rash, and inflammation. Sometimes these allergic reactions can escalate into more severe complications, such as inducing an asthma attack in those with asthma or inducing anaphylaxis, which causes a swelling and close of the throat. 

Termites can also cause other effects by either biting you or as a result of their waste coming into contact with your skin, which can cause dermatitis or eczema flare-ups. They may also bring other contaminants with them, like bacteria, or mold, or other nasty stuff like that, all of which can have adverse reactions on you and your loved ones. 

4. Close Off Openings

If you're dealing with termites in your house, you may notice small cracks appearing in the base material of your walls or the flooring. These cracks are the entrance points of the wood termite colony, and are the perfect opportunity for these pests to travel into your home. A professional can flag these openings and act in time before the situation gets out of hand.

5. Long-Term Treatment 

Inspection determines that type of treatment that your house will need to undergo before you move in. Wood termite treatments include baits, liquids, and powders. Baits that are specifically formulated for termite prevention are most effective in killing termites; however, they can also help to keep the infestation from spreading throughout the house. Other products available in the market also contain chemicals that are effective at controlling termite activity; however, some of these chemicals may be dangerous to humans if inhaled, so it’s best to leave it to professionals.

Liquid termite treatments are also effective in killing termites; however, they can be harmful to people and animals if the substances are accidentally ingested. Liquid treatments are generally sprayed onto the infected area or the ground to kill off the termites. 

Other methods of termite control include powders that can be spread onto the soil or onto the surface where the termites have settled; however, this method requires special equipment and the use of skilled workers.

You can also consider natural termite control techniques that do not require the use of chemicals. For example, termite barriers can be applied to your house's interior or exterior surfaces, which act as an insulator against termites, and can be made out of clay or terra cotta. This can help to prevent termites from entering your house.

In addition to preventing termites from entering your home, these types of barriers will also discourage them from moving about inside your home, which is the main source of their survival. In addition to preventing termites from entering your home, these barriers can also prevent them from using your home as a shelter when there is not enough sunlight or water. Such measures are only efficient when complementing a treatment that would have been carried out. 

6. Spot Potential Issues 

Home inspectors are trained to spot signs of possible problems before they become serious. If you move in without this insight, you will find yourself with a termite problem you hadn’t anticipated. When the inspector inspects a house, they will look for evidence of damage such as rotting beams or cracked walls. They may also check for excess wood being used for the flooring. All these tell them that there may be wood rot in a home and they will not hesitate to come out and discuss this with the homeowner.

7. Inspect Hard to Reach Areas 

Another major problem area prone to termites is the house's insulation which, left to your discretion, you wouldn’t be able to notice. Although it is difficult to detect termites under insulation, if a professional is hired, they can easily tell you from their findings. The inspector will examine the insulation for holes and cracks and, in some cases, they may even take a sample of the insulation to the lab to see if there are any visible signs of termite activity.

8. Determining Type of Damage 

Not all damage that you notice is caused by termites. An inspector can tell you whether the damage is caused by a termite infestation, moisture build-up, improper roofing materials, or structural damage. A trained home inspector can tell you how to fix it and what kind of work is necessary to make certain that the particular issue doesn’t re-occur. 

9. Professional Guidance 

In addition to termite infestation, professionals can advise on how you can protect yourself and your family from termites should you notice a problem when you move into your home. Professionals can advise you to purchase waterproof materials, especially if your house is exposed to water frequently. Professionals can also advise that you cover your basement and attic with either shingles or paint. This is the kind of insight that professionals inspecting your home can offer for the best living arrangements while you seek long-term solutions.

Conclusion

It is important to have professionals inspect your new home for termites to avoid major damage to your new house. A professional can flag the root problem whereas left to your discretion you may find a temporary solution that you will need to repeat without ever solving the root problem. This means that your home is prevented from major destruction and you don’t run the risk of having to demolish your house. You can also ask for an inspection of a house that, while you are considering it, you have not finalized a purchase on. This allows you to determine if that house is a worthwhile investment for you and your family. 

If termites are found in the home as a result of the inspection, treatment is facilitated and your family doesn't run the risk of experiencing allergic reactions to termites. Termite openings are closed off, potential issues spotted, and long-term treatment facilitated for your household wellness. Professional inspectors can determine different types of damage and how to tackle these as well as provide guidance on methods to avoid termite problems. 

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