Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Termite inspections are usually required when purchasing a home, especially if the mortgage is financed through a lender. Termite inspections should be performed by a trusted pest control company, although soon-to-be homeowners (or if you’re selling your home) should be aware of the key areas that must be checked during a termite inspection to ensure you get a trustworthy report. So, today on the blog, Ameri Care shares the seven main areas to check during a termite inspection.
Foundation & Crawlspace
Home foundations are typically the most common area where termites gain access to homes. Be sure to check all exterior walls of the foundation for cracks, and gaps that may be present as termites can enter the home through these entry points. Mud tubes along the home’s foundation can be evidence of termites. Termites use mud tubes like a highway to travel from their colony to your home. Thoroughly inspect the crawlspace for signs of termites as well. If your home is on a concrete slab and does not have a crawlspace, your home may not be in the clear. Termites can invade homes built on slabs by sneaking through cracks as small as 1/32-inch wide. We also recommend visually inspecting the ground around the edge of your home’s foundation or slab and note any areas of high moisture content, water pooling, and drainage issues that could attract termites and other pests.
Basement
Basements are notorious for being dark, dank, and a haven for pests like termites. While inspecting the basement, check wood beams (if visible), walls, and floors and notice any water damage or signs of termites like wood damage, mud tubes, or discarded wings. Also keep an eye out for termite droppings referred to as frass, which looks like sawdust. Termites are also known to create hollow places in wood, leaving the veneer intact. Moisture and ventilation issues in the basement should be addressed to prevent mold and mildew growth, and to reduce the risk of attracting termites in the future.
Wood Structures
Termites consume cellulose, which is a main component to wooden structures. It’s essential to inspect all wooden structures as far as the eye can see. This includes support beams, wooden furniture, floor joists (often visible underneath the home in the crawlspace or basement). Termites can be sneaky in hard to see areas. It’s recommended to use a flashlight to get a good look at wooden structures you examine. Small holes, hollow sounding wood, or other damage to wooden structures could indicate a current or previous termite infestation.
Attic
Attics are not commonly thought of in terms of termite issues because they are high up from the ground and tend to get quite hot during the warmer months. But termites can be found in attics under wooden rafters or other wooden structures like support beams. The attic should be inspected for signs of termites and wood damage which could indicate a termite problem.
Exterior Walls
Exterior walls should be inspected for signs of termite activity, especially where walls are near the ground or adjoin foundations or other substructures. Termites are also known to infest wooden siding, trim, and soffits. Therefore, thoroughly inspect these components of the home to yield an accurate termite inspection report.
Windows and Doors
Leaks commonly occur around windows and doors, which could lead to damaged or rotten wood that attracts termites. Be sure to inspect these areas, paying special attention to the window and door trim to identify any signs of termite activity, or damage to the wood.
Garage
Garages aren’t just for hiding junk. Termites sometimes lurk inside garages as well. Keep an eye out for termite activity or signs of drywall or wood damage inside the garage.
Termite Treatment & Prevention in Nashville, Hermitage, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee
To help prevent termites, keep your home well maintained, paint when needed to protect wood, get a termite protection plan from a local pest control company, and address leaks and moisture issues as soon as you identify them. Learn more about termite protection or schedule a termite inspection in Nashville by calling Ameri Care at (615) 893-7111.