Get A Termite Inspection Before You Buy

The Importance of Getting a Termite Inspection Before You Buy

You’ve found the house of your dreams, and you’re ready to sign on the dotted line, but did you forget something? When you live in Phoenix, it’s important to schedule a termite inspection completed before you head into escrow. It may save you a lot of money and headaches down the line. After all, how much is your peace of mind worth?

Are There Really Termites in Phoenix?

Luckily, the arid desert climate of Phoenix isn’t as bad as much wetter parts of the country, but we definitely get our share of unwelcome pests. Actually, there are a number of termite families that call Arizona in general and Phoenix home: desert subterranean termites, arid-land subterranean termites, desert dampwood termites, and western drywood termites.

Termites tend to swarm mostly at night and really enjoy the rainy season in the desert, although the arid-land subterranean termites are more active January to March. A colony can have 4,000 to 300,000 inhabitants and forage across up to a square acre of territory.

Since termites do prefer a little water in their environment, many Phoenix homeowners may think they won’t have problems with termites (signs you may have termites) — that is unless they have vegetation and irrigation near the house, or their plumbing leaks. And since most of us enjoy our grass, oleanders, and fruit trees, it’s likely that the house you’re considering purchasing has an irrigation system, which can lead to problems.

Damage Caused by Termites

The good thing about termites in Phoenix (if you can call it good) is that their damage is often detectable. In wetter climates, a termite infestation in a wooden structure means you lean on a wall wrong and you end up on the ground. Here, though, you get a little heads-up that you have a problem, especially when you’re looking at a wood-framed home.

Alas, many houses in Phoenix are not made from wood; they are constructed of concrete. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if the house you covet has a foundation and walls of concrete, though. Those small desert subterranean termites are quite good at crawling into the small spaces between bricks and in cracks to enter the house. And once they’re in the house, your problems are only beginning.

The Value of a Termite Inspection

Luckily, a thorough termite inspection conducted by a professional pest services company will let you know if the house you’re considering buying is structurally sound, if there are existing issues, or if problems could occur due to a recent infestation. The small investment you make now will save you hours of headache and potentially thousands of dollars in repairs later.

If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, be sure to schedule your termite inspection with Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination. We’ll give you honest feedback about termites and any other pest problems that may be present on the property.