A Termite Inspection Before You Buy A New Home Can Save You Thousands
For those buying a new home here in Florida, a hearty congratulations goes out to you! Buying a new home, especially if it is your first, is a very exciting time. However, nothing can be more disappointing than moving into your new home and discovering that structural damage has taken place due to termites, carpenter ants or other wood destroying organisms. Here in Florida, termites are ruthless and any new home purchase shouldn't take place without having a termite inspection performed in order to avoid costly repairs and extermination.
How Do Termites Damage A Home?
Termites are called the "Silent Destroyers" because they slowly and quietly chew through wood, floors and wallpaper, which contributes to nearly five billion dollars in damages to home owners ever year. Subterranean termites are the worst, contributing to over two billion dollars alone each year. While it would take a single termite over three millennium to consume all the wood in a single 1,000 square foot home, termites are never found by themselves.
Just how big is a termite colony?
A single colony of termites can range from several thousands of termites to over a million. Furthermore, several colonies can live on one acre of land at any given time, which means that here in Florida, your home is constantly the target of termites.
The foundations where the wood touches the dirt as well as crawl spaces are particularly at risk for termite damages. When buying a home, the buyer should consult with their broker to determine if a house with these features is the right fit.
Before Buying A Home, Get A Termite Inspection
Depending on how long a colony has been thriving or where the actual colony is located, termite damage can run well into the thousands of dollars. In some cases, repairing termite damage can cost more than the original building. That is why we can't stress enough the importance of getting a termite inspection done before finalizing the sale of your new home.
A termite inspection typically takes an hour and is different than a standard home inspection. The inspection professional is specifically checking a home's structure from the foundation to the roof. During an inspection, will work to scan and probe the home from the attic areas to the foundation looking for any damages by termites. Wood takes on a buckling appearance when damaged by termites. Your termite specialist will be looking through the walls for these types of formations. Swollen floors and ceilings can also be evidence of termite damage. Some infestations can also produce an odor that is similar to mold or mildew.
After an inspection is complete, your termite inspector will generate a report on any possible infestations that may be discovered along with an estimate and a plan to exterminate these highly destructive pests.
What To Do If A Termite Infestation Is Discovered?
At Super D Pest Control, our termite specialist will provide an estimate for getting rid of your termite problem. We will then need to schedule a time to come in and perform a treatment. In most cases, treatment can be done without the use of a tent. Treatments will consist of fumigation and sprays that will destroy the colony. Once the treatment is complete, the homeowner will need to consult with a general contractor to assess the damage and begin to make repairs. Keep in mind, that depending on the damage, repairs can involve demolition and replacing structural elements that can be quite expensive.
Clients Choose Super D Pest Control When A Termite Inspection Is Needed
We are number one in the pest control business specializing in the fight against termites. If left untreated, termites can cause irreparable damage to a home in less than two years. If you are a home owner in Tampa Bay, you need to have a regular termite treatment plan in place. Call Super D Pest Control today at (727) 433-5310 for a free consultation and to schedule a termite inspection or contact us online below. We look forward to serving you.
Comments