Termites are nasty pests that can wreak havoc in very little time. Although they are tiny, they form huge colonies that can silently destroy your home before you know it. The pests usually need a few things to survive and breed. These are moisture, food in the form of cellulose and warmth. Thus, most homeowners require annual termite inspections to eliminate invasion and damage.
Why You Need Inspections
As a homeowner, a routine termite inspection should be a top priority. It's part of overall maintenance for your property. Termites are constant foragers, and more often than not, they could be in the vicinity heading towards your home. It can be quite costly trying to eliminate an active termite infestation, in terms of termite treatment and repair for any damage already done.
If you are buying a new property, the first thing on your agenda should be a termite inspection. Not doing it could lead to a money pit due to costly interventions. The same strategy should apply if you want to increase the resale value of your home. Have a termite inspection before you can place it on the market.
What Happens During an Inspection?
Termite inspection comes with various revelations. The first outcome could reveal a mild termite activity that should not scare you. The termites could already have moved and left a few traces behind. A termite inspector will, therefore, write a full report, including any proactive steps that need to be taken.
Termite inspectors, once on the premises, already know what signs of active termite infestation to look. These include termite shelter tubes and any subterranean tunnels. The presence of wings or earthen packing is also an indication of termites in the surroundings. Other signs include sagging floors and hollow wood in your home.
Basic Termite Prevention Strategies
There are a few things you can do to minimise the chances of termite infestation. The pests are usually attracted to dark and damp areas, so all you need to is keep all spaces of your home dry and open. Remove stagnant water and clear every space of debris.
You also need to remove any wooden material from lying directly on the ground. Then, keep all wood dry and if necessary, treat it with a pesticide, to prevent the pests from gnawing on them. A termite inspection should be a routine exercise to avoid any damage to your home. The costs of containing an active infestation can also be quite prohibitive.
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