When it’s time to get a termite inspection

Termites are a fact of life in Arizona. Here in the Valley, no one buys a house without a recent, professional termite inspection and report. It’s an important part of the home-buying process.

Even with good housekeeping and the low-moisture, dry-desert lifestyle we enjoy, professional termite elimination is necessary for Arizona properties. Most homeowners have termite preventive treatments bi-monthly. You should consider finding a local termite elimination and prevention company that you can call if you see signs of termites.

Even without warning signs of an infestation, when should you get a termite inspection?

Signs You Should Get a Termite Inspection

It’s unfortunate, but if you don’t know what to watch for, termites can cause considerable damage quickly and quietly. This is why many Phoenix proactive property owners put their local pest control company on autopilot for routine termite treatments. It’s easier and more reassuring.

Look for termite warning signs:

• Blisters – If termites are causing behind-the-scenes damage you might see blistering on the floor or a wall.
• Cracking/peeling paint – When paint chips begin falling from walls or a ceiling, that’s another termite warning sign.
• Droppings – Termites create small holes to remove waste from their living and working areas. You might see small specks of termite droppings in corners, on windowsills, or elsewhere. They may resemble sawdust or coffee grounds.
• Mud tubes – If you spot a mud tube, don’t knock it off your wall. Termites create exploratory tubes, swarming tubes, working tubes…and we can gauge the stage of a termite infestation by examining mud tubes.
• Softened wood – It’s a red flag if you feel a wood floor, railing, or any other wood fixture “give,” as if weakened.
• Wings – Termites can infest areas of your yard; on the patio, front porch, or near an external door. Indoors, you might find tiny, clear wings on windowsills or in corners.

If you see signs of an infestation, get a termite inspection as soon as possible. If you don’t have bi-monthly prevention visits, get a thorough termite inspection every 6 months.

What Happens When You Get a Termite Inspection?

You’ve scheduled a termite inspection for your commercial or residential property. Now what? Your professional termite inspector will need access under sinks and elsewhere, so it’s helpful to prepare your home:

• If possible, trim-back bushes too close to the exterior.
• In the garage, move boxes, etc. about 2´ from the wall.
• Make sure the attic and crawlspace are easily accessible.
• Move cleansers, etc. under kitchen and bathroom sinks to another area.

Allow about 2 hours for your termite inspection. A lot depends on your property size, age, and the materials used during its construction. First, the termite inspector will look for physical signs of an infestation (wings, mud tubes, droppings, damage, etc.).

Indoor areas your inspector will examine include:

• Attic
• Baseboards
• Bathrooms
• Crawlspace
• Garage
• Kitchen
• Laundry/utility rooms
• Walls
• Windows

…and any area plumbing pipes and fixtures can be accessed. Outside inspection includes:

• Eaves
• Foundation
• Patios
• Walls
• Wood fencing/railing
• Yard

A termite inspection by Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination uses the latest technology to provide you with all the information you need regarding the results of the inspection. Your inspector will email photos and will schedule a time to discuss your property’s protection. Learn more: Contact Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination.