Are you ready for a termite inspection?

You have termites. Or perhaps you aren’t sure. Maybe you’re selling your residential or commercial property and want a current termite inspection.

Here’s how to prepare for and what happens when it’s time for a termite inspection.

How To Prepare for a Termite Inspection

Termite prevention is the way to avoid the stress and expense of an infestation. You can choose from several types of treatment options and frequencies. You can also customize termite prevention to guarantee you aren’t one of the billions of homes damaged by termites every year. Regular termite inspections are another way to prevent termite infestations.

Before-the-inspection preparation is not required by Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination. But preparation can make the inspection go much faster and more smoothly.

Here are tips to prepare for a termite inspection:

• Allow 2 hours for the inspection and longer if you have a commercial property.
• If you have termite tubes or tunnels, don’t knock them down. The termite inspector will want to examine them.
• Move items that touch walls so your baseboards are accessible. In your laundry room and garage, move items on shelves away from the wall a few inches. Outside, move items stored against your walls about 2 feet. Do not strain yourself moving items that are too heavy for you.
• Open the attic. Lower the stairs. If anything falls out, clear a path near the entrance. Your termite elimination professional would prefer easy access to your attic.
• Open the crawlspace. If you have a crawlspace, move or remove any items that block the entrance (inside and out). Ensure your termite inspection professional can easily access the crawlspace and its inner walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Remove items from under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• The inspector will inspect:
  • Attics
  • Baseboards
  • Bathrooms
  • Cabinets
  • Closets
  • Crawlspace
  • Doorframes
  • Eaves
  • Exterior walls
  • Fences
  • Foundation
  • Garage
  • Interior walls
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry room
  • Utility room
• Trim hedges and bushes. If you have plants that are so close to the exterior walls and foundation they impede access, trim them back before the termite inspection if possible. Your termite inspector will likely want to inspect wood fences, so accessing the fence line is important.

The Termite Inspection

The inspection should take about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your property size. Larger, commercial buildings will take longer. Your termite professional will look for signs you have termites: droppings, mud tubes, shed wings, and termite damage.

Plumbing areas are most important. Those include:

• Bathroom/kitchen fixtures and cabinets
• Outdoor faucets/hookups
• Plumbing pipe entries/exits
• Washing machine/refrigerator hookups

Your pest control professional will share:

• Findings/observations
• Preventive/corrective treatment choices
• Vulnerabilities and ways to minimize/eliminate them

The Most Important Termite Prevention Tip

There are several ways to minimize your property’s risk for termite infestation. But the most important tip is this:

Eliminate moisture.

This seems somewhat ridiculous in a bone-dry state like Arizona, but there are water sources everywhere. Moist areas are where termites thrive.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear and divert any rainwater away from the house.
• Repair leaky faucets immediately.
• Re-route or eliminate any water that pools around your foundation. (Re-grade the lawn if necessary.)

Budget Brothers: Proud To Be Your Termite Inspection Pros

Realtors and real estate professionals request termite inspections, but you can, too. Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination works hard to maintain our solid reputation for professionalism without compromise. Our technicians are pest prevention and elimination experts.

Do you need more information? Call us with questions so you can make a knowledgeable decision.. Or schedule an appointment at your convenience.