3 Things Every Buyer Should Know About Arizona Termites

Someone once said that there two kinds of homes: Those that have termites and those that will. Because they’re so common in the desert southwest, Arizona termites are unfortunately an issue. They need to be dealt with before, and sometimes after, the purchase.

Wood destroying insects (WDIs) are such an issue that the FHA and VA have a pretreatment mandate for home builders.

And mortgage lenders may insist on a wood destroying insect inspection report (WDIIR) for an existing property before they’ll underwrite a mortgage.

1. Buyer Disclosures

If you’re buying a new home with FHA or VA financing, you have a three-year period to report any evidence of a termite infestation to the builder. The clock starts when the licensed exterminator treated the soil around and beneath the slab where your home now sits. If you find Arizona termites, the builder will have to pay for further treatment and other remedies.

If you’re buying an existing home, you don’t have to have an Arizona termite inspection unless your lender requires it. However, it’s a good idea to have a licensed exterminator perform a WDIIR even if your lender doesn’t need it. Buying a home with Arizona termites or damage could cost you thousands, if not more, down the road.

Understanding the extent of the infestation is critical if termites are found.  Termite repairs can be expensive and disruptive since they could involve removing and replacing structural, siding, and flooring materials.

2. Signs of Arizona Termites

The subterranean termite lives underground and climbs into your home’s structure on anything contacting the foundation. Drywood Arizona termites become active during the summer and after heavy rains. They land on exposed wood, siding, and trim.

One of the most telling signs of Arizona termites are the mud tubes you may see on the side of the home. Little piles of sawdust around baseboards or beneath electrical outlets may also indicate a termite infestation.

Homes with irrigated vegetation next to the foundation are vulnerable to Arizona termites, as are those with woodpiles and wooden fences. Arizona termites won’t eat stucco, but they can climb beneath the siding to infest the wood framing. An attic inspection may also reveal obvious problems with termites.

3. Termite Control

Budget Brothers Termite & Pest has access to material that will eliminate an Arizona termite infestation. These materials are safe to use around the home when they’re applied by a professional. While do-it-yourself termite controls are available, they’re not as effective because of product safety regulations.

Applying termiticides isn’t as easy as spraying for other insects. Since Arizona termites live beneath the soil and inside the wooden structure of the home, the approach has to be indirect. The extermination team digs and floods trenches around the perimeter of the foundation with chemicals. Placing bait stations around the boundaries of the foundation can be effective at reducing the population of invading subterranean termites.

Conclusions

If you’re buying a home, you’ll want to be sure you get a termite inspection to avoid expensive and unpleasant surprises. Unless you’re buying a new home, you have few protections once you close. Whether Arizona termites are present or not, it’s always a good idea to make termite prevention an ongoing priority by using a licensed pro.

Get an inspection today!

There are many ways your home can attract termites. For more tips to avoid an infestation, check out this article. If you think you have a termite infestation, the best time to stop it is right now. Contact Budget Brothers today for your annual pest inspection.