Virtually any home with wood construction is susceptible to wood-destroying insect infestation. Often that sounds worse than it is, and homebuyers can easily overreact to the news that a house they’re considering for purchase has some termites or other wood-chewing pests such as wood-boring beetles.

Most mortgage lenders require an inspection to ensure that the home being purchased does not have an active termite infestation (eastern subterranean termites are usually the culprit in our area), or has been subjected to structural damage as the result of one. Termites are active in 49 of the 50 states and cause more than $50 billion in property damage every year.

However, the good news is that there are more homes without termites than with them.  Good home construction plays a large role in whether termites can enter them. Moisture control in and around the house plays another important role in whether termites will decide to set up shop in any particular home.

Quite often the damage caused by termites by the time they’re discovered is minor, and repair or replacement of the infested wood members is not necessary. Even with a heavy infestation, usually only a portion of the house is affected.  And even then, only a portion of the wood framing might be damaged to a point where it has lost its structural value. In this case, only the affected members require repair or replacement.  It is important to note that a termite condition can be completely controlled through the application of chemical insecticides and any major damage can be repaired.

It’s important to note, however, that between the pest control business and the chemical industry, well over 3 billion dollars a year is spent by consumers who have been overly encouraged to chemically treat at any sign of termites. That’s why it’s important to have any termite or wood-destroying insect inspection done by an experienced, impartial inspection company such as Best Home Inspection and NOT a pesticide treatment company.

We provide the most comprehensive insect infestation inspections – inside and out

Our comprehensive termite inspection consists of an interior and exterior check of that portion of the house that is close to, or in contact with, the ground. A properly-trained, experienced inspector will examine the exterior by probing the attached wood trim, posts, and framing members on or close to the ground. That includes probing garage doorframes, basement or lower-level window frames, step stringers, deck posts, and the entry-door riser. Termite activity is of concern only when it is found in the house or in an attached structure such as a garage or deck.

Our interior termite inspection focuses on the basement and crawl space. We look for termite shelter tubes and/or damage to sill plates, headers, and joists below grade or adjacent to a dirt-filled, cement-covered patio. If an active termite infestation is found, pesticide treatment by a professional is necessary.

As a thorough professional home inspection service, we also check for wood-boring beetles, such as the powder-post beetle, and carpenter ants.

Don’t take chances with your purchase – call today to schedule your inspection and get the peace-of-mind that comes with a thorough, impartial home inspection.