First Time Home Buyer Termite Warnings – How To Protect Yourself
Congratulations on your new home! The decisions you made to get here probably have been filled with ups and down… Searching for the perfect home, wrangling the financing, then packing up your old home, moving your belongings and finally, unpacking. But, what if you unpack and all of a sudden find termites. Who did that happen? What could you have done to help prevent this from happening? Here are some things you can do to protect yourselves.
Most lenders require a pest inspection in order to fund the loan. But that doesn’t mean that the company who performs the inspection is reputable and will do what’s in your (the homebuyer) best interest. One thing you can do is request a specific company to do the termite and pest inspection. However, that does not mean that you will get the company you want. Scheduling, personalties, personal relationships, etc can make a difference in who does the termite and pest inspection.
Another thing that you can do is look for signs of termites. You are not a qualified pest inspector and you may not want to go under the house looking at a craw space. But there are some other places you can look.
Termite Tunnels-
A termite tunnel is a tube made from natural products, usually mud, that termites use for travel from their colony to get food. The termite tubes are generally the diameter of a pencil. If you find termite tubes, it doesn’t mean that the home currently is infested with termites. What it means is that the home has been a feeding ground for termites at some point. Look for tubes around the base of the home.
Wood Damage-
Wood damage can come in several ways. Visible channels or holes along the grain of fences, sheds, window sills, window boxes, etc. it is likely that termites have eaten through the wood. As a subterranean insect, the termites likely ate their way from the soil out through the wood. Another thing that would be present would be the dirt from inside.
The absence of termite tubes or holes in wood doesn’t mean your home is termite free. Some damage cannot be seen from the outside. It involves going under the home, tapping on base boards and other industry specific testing to see if there is damage to the integrity of the wood by unwanted termites.
Our skilled technicians are the perfect answer to your home buying needs. If you would like to schedule a Termite Inspection, please call us at 615-220-1922 to schedule an appointment or click here.
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