Termite inspection: How it works

Ideally, all homeowners should get inspected once a year. All property owners, whether they live in a new or old house, should invest in regular inspections. Even if you are living in a brand new home, you could still be susceptible to termites. Older homes do tend to be more at risk for termites, making it absolutely essential to not only stay vigilant about inspecting your home yourself on a regular basis but also get a professional’s opinion every single year.

Annual termite inspections are essential for early detection of termite activity. If detected in time, you may be able to prevent the risk of large scale damage and expensive repairs. Termite inspections assess the conditions that make a property susceptible to wood-destroying pests and identify ways to mitigate and minimize risks of infestations. Regular inspections help our technicians identify the risks of termite infestation on your property. In the case that termite activity is found, our technicians will identify the termite species infesting your home and recommend the most effective termite treatment for your particular needs. 

If you have noticed any signs of termite activity, contact us today to schedule a free termite inspection.

How we inspect for termites

Our certified Western Exterminator termite experts conduct a thorough inspection of your home - both inside and out - carefully looking for evidence of termite activity and potential access points.

Using local knowledge

Where you live is unique; there really is no place like your home. Western Exterminator specialists have on-ground termite control experience and in-depth local expertise, backed by science and industry-leading innovation. They understand the climate and pest pressures of your area, making Western Exterminator your best defense against termites.

Comprehensive reporting

Your specialist will provide you with a full report at the completion of every termite inspection. Combining their findings with local insights – from wood types to weather – they’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your unique property.

What to expect during a termite inspection

Scheduled inspections take an average of 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on the size and intricacy of your property. Here is what you can expect during a termite inspection:

Pre-inspection

Before your termite inspection, one of our licensed inspectors will discuss your concerns and any particular needs you may have. The inspector will then give you a thorough description of what the inspection will involve. In order to facilitate this inspection process, please eliminate any clutter and remove items stored against the perimeter of the premises. The inspector will require access to all walls on your property.

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During the inspection

The inspector will examine both the inside and outside of the property, including attics, patios, porches, garages and sub-areas (basements, crawl spaces, etc.). In each of these locations, the inspector will look out for possible leaks in high moisture areas, areas with compromised structural integrity, and signs of termites themselves.

Post inspection

When the termite inspection is complete, you will receive a report describing the findings - whether or not termite activity was discovered, areas of concern and damages (if any). Recommendations and an estimate for treatment, repair and follow-up will also be provided in the report so that you can determine the best course of action.

Dry rot inspection

Western Exterminator can also provide relief from fungus damage to your home. Our technicians will make an initial inspection of the exterior, interior, and sub-area surfaces, including basements and crawlspaces while completing a termite inspection. We can then make necessary repairs to siding, decks, and any other structures that are damaged. Occasionally, fungus damage could also be a sign of termites, which is why inspections by a professional are always recommended.

It is important to note that dry rot inspections are part of your termite inspection and are not completed separately from a termite inspection. When you get your property inspected for termites, our Technicians will inspect for all wood destroying organisms, which includes the fungus that is attributed to dry rot.

What is dry rot?

Decay fungi (dry rot) can cause severe structural damage to any wood member, even species such as redwood or cedar. Given the ideal conditions, the fungus will feed on wood and anything made from wood or natural cellulose fibers. All that is needed is a source of water and having the wood reach a 20% moisture saturation level. Early infestations where the wood is still sound will typically require treatment with an approved preservative and control of the moisture condition. Advanced infestations normally require the replacement of the damaged members.

How do we treat dry rot?

Our team is proud to provide the best dry rot inspection and repair services. Our certified Technicians will work with you to determine the best course of action for treatment.

We offer a number of services to treat dry rot in your property:

• Inspections of the exterior, interior, and subarea surfaces
• Siding and deck repairs
• Substructure repairs
• Borate treatments of infected areas
• Ventilation upgrades
• Moisture barriers
• Sump pumps

Can I inspect my own home for termites?

Even if you think there’s no way your clean, tidy home has termites, it’s still important to get regular termite inspections. Neglecting to do so can become a costly mistake if you get an infestation, which ends up being much more costly than investing in routine inspections. To effectively protect your home from termites, it is highly recommended to get an annual inspection done on your house and property.

While you should always have a professional pest control company thoroughly inspect your home annually, there are several things to keep an eye out for between visits to prevent termites and lessen your chance of an infestation. Several things to keep an eye out for include:

• Mud tubes: Finding these mud highways in soil near a wood source around your home is a likely sign you have termites.
• Discarded wings: Many swarming termites shed their wings after establishing a new colony, meaning there’s a good chance termites are nearby.
• Excrement: Also known as frass, termite excrement looks like little wood pellets that are the size of coffee grounds.
• Damaged wood: One of the most indicative signs of termites is checking for a hollow noise when knocking on wood in the home.
• Bubbling paint: While this could be a sign of other home damage, it’s certainly reason enough to get a professional who can accurately diagnose the source of bubbling or peeling paint.

How much does termite inspection cost?

When it comes to termites, there is often no obvious indication to the untrained eye that a structure is infested, or vulnerable to infestation. If you’re looking for a home termite inspection near you, Western Exterminator offers a free termite inspection that will provide you with all the information you need when deciding what to do next.

Termite inspections for home purchases

Most lenders require a termite 'clearance' before providing funds for a home purchase. Similarly, most buyers want confidence that the property they are purchasing is free from infestation before making a large investment. Western Exterminator is certified in conducting real estate inspections, providing all necessary documentation in compliance with full disclosure laws, ensuring no surprises from voracious wood eaters when escrow closes.

Home sellers should consider getting a termite inspection prior to listing the property. That way, any required work can be factored into the listing price. By acknowledging the presence or absence of pest activity or damage early in the process, you can avoid delays in closing escrow.

Home buyers should ensure that a termite inspection is part of the escrow instructions. Whether your lender requires it or not, it is in your best interest to be vigilant. After the inspection, you can feel free to contact our inspector for any clarification required. We are happy to answer any questions.

Western Exterminator also provides Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspections for real estate purchases and refinancing. In addition to termites, our technicians are trained to inspect for evidence of carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles, among other wood destroying pests.