Some things are more thrilling than buying a home, and to ascertain that the process goes well, some measures must be observed. Apart from the decorative updates that you may want to make to your new home, it is crucial to also account for any issues that might not be visible to your eyes. One such problem is a termite invasion. That is why a pest inspection is necessary.
Take the Right Pest Prevention Before Purchasing a New Home
Termites are silent destroyers of property because of their ability to chew through wood undetected avidly. They cause over $5 billion in property damage per year. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover these damages. Before purchasing a new home, you should always request a termite inspection from a pest control professional to avoid expensive repairs after the transaction is completed.
A standard home inspection only assesses the physical structure of your prospective home. On the other hand, a termite inspection focuses on identifying the indicative signs of termite damage. It also asses the conditions that attract termite infestations, such as moisture, crevices, and cracks. After the inspection, your pest control professional will provide a detailed pest control report and recommend a course of action.
When visiting your prospective home, you should check the following signs that could indicate a termite invasion:
- Wings on windowsills or near the doors indicating termite swarmers have gone into the house.
- Small heaps of droppings that look like sawdust close to a termite nest
- Blistering or darkening of wooden structures
- Softwood in the house that sound muffled when hit
- Mud tubes on the exterior of the house
These signs show an active infestation of termites. You must also be conscious of the situations that can attract termites to your prospective home. When visiting the property, here are some things that you should look out for and how to alleviate their effects if you move forward to purchasing the home.
Branches
Tree leaves and branches that come into contact with the home’s exterior or roof can give a pathway for termites to access the house. It would help if you pruned any shrubbery or branches to ensure nothing is touching your home.
Mulch
Mulch is often used against the foundation of a house and can function as a source of moisture and food for termites. So, it would help if you reduced the utilization of wood mulch and put it at least 15 inches from your home’s foundation. Assess the present mulch for any signs of termite infestation, especially underneath.
Stumps
While it might appear simpler to abandon a tree stub in your back yard, decaying wood can attract termites. These termites can ultimately end up in your home. So, call a professional service to remove any wood lying on your property.
Gutters
Termites love moisture, and congested gutters can make your home vulnerable to termites. You should divert rainwater away from the foundation and install splash blocks to prevent attracting termites
Firewood
Many homeowners stack firewood against their house for effortless access. However, that can attract termites towards the home and offer an entry point. You should keep firewood and timber at least 20 feet away from your house and on elevated platforms at least 5 inches from the ground.
Conclusion
Termites are very destructive in nature. Therefore, you should take the necessary steps to identify and prevent infestation. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is essential to acquire a new home pest inspection. We recommend hiring a licensed pest control specialist to identify and treat termite invasion before it becomes a severe and expensive problem.
Tags: pest control, Pest Control Advice
