Termite inspections are unwelcome albeit essential disruptions to normal domestic routines. If a house looks clean and shows no sign of termite damage, having inspectors in to check for termite presence could seem to be unnecessary. However, it is because termite infestations are so difficult to spot that annual termite inspections are vital for the protection of the home, which for most families, is their biggest asset. Understanding what a termite inspection is and how to prepare for it can make the process go smoothly and minimize any domestic disruption.

Preparing for the Inspection 

A termite inspector from a professional termite control company will perform the complete inspection by himself. You will not need to be a part of the process. However, the inspector will need to access all parts of the house, including some external spaces. Doing the following before the inspection starts can speed up the process:

1. Remove items from under sinks. These spaces are prone to moisture and that is what termites love.
2. Remove items in the attic that could impede the inspector's access to the roof.
3. Move any items that may inhibit access to the crawlspace.
4. Move any items blocking expansion joints in the garage.
5. Clean up dead leaves and debris from decks, patios, and on the ground adjacent to the walls of the house.
6. The termite inspector will discuss any preparations that may be required with you.

Also Read: DIY Termite Control: A Risky Endeavor with Potential Consequences

What Does the Inspector Look For? 

The inspector will need access to all parts of the house. Termites could be anywhere and before termite colony elimination can be done, the colonies have to be found. Among other things, the inspector will look for:

• Warped or Blistered Surfaces: Drywood termites create nesting spaces known as galleries by eating through wood. This affects the integrity of the wood making it appear as if it has blistered or warped.
• Hollow Sounds: Termites eat through wood starting from the middle. Areas that sound hollow when tapped, or areas where even slight pressure causes a screwdriver to go through the surface, are signs of a termite infestation.
• Droppings: Termites squeeze all the water out of the wood they consume and the dry waste is excreted in the form of tiny pellets called frass. These can easily be mistaken for piles of sawdust. It requires a trained eye to spot frass and differentiate it from normal dust and grit.
• Discarded Wings: Termites regularly discard their wings so any small pile of them around windowsills, doorframes, or other possible points of entry may be a sign of an infestation.
• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites move around through the minute mud tubes they construct. These difficult-to-spot tunnels are a clear sign of termite activity.

When a homeowner sees signs of termite damage, that usually means that the infestation has reached an advanced stage and a lot of damage has occurred. That will make termite infestation recovery more difficult and also inflate the damage repair costs. Professional termite inspections are a preemptive move that every homeowner needs to get done to keep the home and the family safe. A termite control company will take care of the whole process and if any termites are found, will ensure that they are removed completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are annual termite inspections important?

Annual termite inspections help catch infestations early, preventing serious damage and costly repairs to your home.

2. How do I prepare for a termite inspection?

Clear spaces under sinks, attic, crawlspaces, and garage. Remove debris from decks and patios to ensure easy access for the inspector.

3. What does a termite inspector look for during the inspection?

Inspectors look for warped or blistered surfaces, hollow sounds in wood, termite droppings (frass), discarded wings, and mud tubes.

4. What are mud tubes and how do they indicate termites?

Mud tubes are tunnels made by subterranean termites to travel, indicating active termite infestation.

5. What happens if termite damage is found during the inspection?

If termites are found, the inspector will recommend termite colony elimination and a recovery plan to repair the damage.

6. Can I perform the inspection myself?

It's recommended to hire a professional termite control company for a thorough inspection, as termites can be difficult to detect without expertise.