What You Need to Know about a New Home Termite Inspection

Facts About Phoenix New Home Termite Inspections

What do you need to do before closing on a new home? Get a termite inspection. Failing to do so could cause you hundreds of dollars (or more) in repairs. The National Pest Management Association estimates $5 billion in property damage is caused by termites each year. Rather than becoming part of the statistic, call Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination for a new home termite inspection before closing on your home. [Source]

Arizona Termite Regulations

In the state of Arizona, sellers are required by law to disclose important facts about the property that is being sold, including if it was ever treated for termites. This is typically covered in the Residential Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS), commonly called “spuds” by real estate agents.

Since August 2009, anyone can go to the State of Arizona Office of Pest Management website and obtain a termite history for the last ten years.

New Home Termite Inspection Standards

If you are having a home built, there are certain standards for termite prevention that should occur before, during, and after construction.

Before construction begins, the soil should be treated. The pest control company that performs this treatment is required by law to treat occurrences of subterranean termites for three years from the date of original treatment.

During construction, a chemical barrier should be created between the soil and concrete floor of the building. The barrier helps prevent subterranean termites from getting to the wood of your new home.

After construction, have a new home termite inspection completed to be sure the structure is free of these pests. If your home is found to have termites, it may or may not be the result of the treatments completed before and during construction. Factors to consider include the type of application equipment used, soil type, weather on the day of application, and disturbances to the chemical barrier.

Disturbances can occur from making simple cosmetic changes to the home that inadvertently disturb the barrier. If you’re making changes to your home that involve the concrete slab, we recommend calling a professional pest control company to be sure your home is protected from termites.

If you’re purchasing an existing home or have a new home built, protect your investment and get an expert termite inspection.