Termite Inspection Checklist for New Homebuyers

Termite Inspection Checklist for New Homebuyers

The relief of buying a new house feels like the perfect way to end your long search. However, before you can sign those papers, there’s a silent pest that you must eliminate: termites. Termites are prevalent in Missouri City, Texas, and these quiet pests can turn your dream home into a costly problem.  So, let’s take you through the essential steps to avoid this problem through inspection with a Termite inspector in Missouri City.

Termites Are A Red Flag

These small insects cause billions of dollars in damage across the United States every year. Still, most of that damage isn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance. 

Things that make termites very damaging to property:

  • Silent wood eaters
  • Billions in damage
  • Insurance rarely covers
  • Subterranean termites – Texas favorites
  • Hidden until the damage becomes severe
  • Negotiating power now

They’re unlikely to be visible at first, and once your floor sags or the door is stuck, the damage is already there. Therefore, an extensive termite inspection before closing can protect your money and allow you to solve the problem.

Begin With The Outside Area: Home of Termites

You need to check the foundation to see where the concrete meets the soil. Any crack, regardless of size, is the perfect opportunity for a swarm of pests. 

Securing the outer areas with the following steps:

  • Check foundation cracks.
  • Spot mud tubes.
  • Test wood softness.

Look over wooden fencing, decks, and porches. Insert a screwdriver in the wood. If it sinks in easily or the surface feels rough, the termites may have hollowed out the wood from the inside. 

More About Fixing The Outside Areas

The branches of trees that touch the siding or roof make perfect roads for drywood termites. So be aware of any areas that require trimming.

The following places can reveal more about the area:

  • Clear firewood piles.
  • Trim touching branches.
  • Check tiles or bricks for gaps or moisture issues.

Inside the House

It is an ideal space for termites, as they thrive in humid, dark conditions. Therefore, shine a bright light along the floor and look for areas that are mostly ignored.  

Tips for exploring the inner area for pests:

  • Crawl space first.
  • Look for frass.
  • Tap for hollow.
  • Basements.
  • Check the Wall gaps.

The wooden beams can be tapped with the screwdriver’s handle. Wooden beams make a loud sound, while infested wood sounds dull and hollow. 

Attic and Other Spaces

If you are checking the attic and rafters, look at them similarly. If you are in the living area, check your hands along windowsills and baseboards. 

Evaluating the following areas:

  • Check attic rafters.
  • Run your hand along the baseboards.
  • Watch bathroom moisture.

Knowing The History of Property

Determine whether the property has had past issues with different pests. When researching, speak to your neighbors. If the entire street is plagued with termite problems, you should know before beginning construction.

The following parameters should be assessed before buying houses:

  • Request old records.
  • Ask about bonds.
  • Check treatment history.
  • Talk to neighbors.
  • Learn street reputation.
  • Plan future protection.

Bring in the Pros for Solving Pest Problems

They understand exactly where Texas termites hide and can spot the signs that look like normal wear and tear to the untrained eye. 

An accredited inspector will provide you with an authentic Wood-Destroying Insect Report that lenders require. Moreover, it will also protect you during negotiations.

Benefits of hiring an expert for inspection:

  • Pros see the hidden.
  • Tools beat eyes.
  • Local knowledge counts.
  • Official report required.
  • Better negotiation.
  • Missouri City experts.

Secure Your Home With Notable Pest Control Services

If you need peace of mind, the team at Extreme Xterminating can help. They can handle everything from thorough termite inspections to complete home pest control services in Missouri City, Texas.

Several benefits of working with Extreme Xterminating:

  • Decades of experience.
  • Bed bug exterminator, Missouri City Texas.
  • Free consultation offered.
  • Local family protection.
  • Positive reviews online.

Conclusion

Inspection and Pest Control in Missouri City Texas, before purchase is about being aware. Just a few minutes can save you years of stress and repairs. 

Therefore, take the time to be prepared, ask questions, and involve the professionals. Your future self and your bank account will appreciate it. 

Finally, visit Extreme Xterminating to book your inspection and start your new chapter in a truly pest-free home.

FAQs

What does an expert termite inspection cost in Missouri City?

Most inspections cost upto a couple of hundred bucks, depending on the property’s dimensions. This is a low cost compared to the expenses you could incur if you put it off.

What time after purchase is best to have another check?

If your home does not clear after closing, you should schedule an annual examination. The mild climate in Missouri City keeps termites active all year-round.

Can termites come back after treatment?

The conditions can be favorable. This is why many homeowners have the termite bond in a revolving form to ensure protection.

What happens if an inspection reveals termites?

Several outcomes are possible if termites are found:

  1. Ask the seller to pay for treatment and repairs.
  2. Cut the cost of your house.
  3. Simply walk away.

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