When Should I Be Getting Termite Inspections?

By the time you notice evidence of a termite infestation, it may already be too late. Termites can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to your building rather quickly, which is why it’s important to keep up with termite prevention in Central Illinois. Even if you think your building is protected, regular inspections can help keep it that way. Here’s what to look for and the key times to get a termite inspection.

Signs of a termite infestation

Termites eat away at wood, whether that’s your floors, ceilings or inside your walls. Typically, they leave behind some obvious signs, but if they’re focusing on the hidden parts of your home, you might just see sagging floors or ceilings.

Termites create mud tubes to get from place to place in your home. They leave behind droppings, which look like sawdust or coffee grounds, and when they establish a new colony, you might see discarded wings after they’ve chewed them off. Look for these signs near doors, windows, vents, basements or crawl spaces and around your porch. Mulch and wood piles tend to attract these destructive insects, so keep those far away from your home whenever possible.

Even if you don’t see these signs, it’s still smart to get regular inspections.

How often to inspect for termites

You should plan on getting a termite inspection about once per year. Depending on the company you choose, this could range from $75 to $150—in other words, a lot cheaper than hiring a contractor to clean up termite damage.

When you’re buying a home, don’t sign on the dotted line until you have a termite inspection—you never know what hidden damage could be lurking in your new home. Make this a condition of buying so you’re not unpleasantly surprised later on. Similarly, if you’re selling your home, you should make sure to get an inspection. The buyer will appreciate it, and it will save you time and money if there is a problem to be found. You’ll rest easy knowing there are no problems that might come back to haunt you later.

Of course, it should go without saying that you need to call a pest control company if you see any signs of an infestation—but since many people don’t realize what it is they’re seeing, they let the damage continue unchecked. Make it a point to look for images of termite infestations so you know exactly what to look for.

Termite removal is either done by spot treatment or soil treatments. Soil treatments are the most effective way to get rid of termites, but they’re pricier and require yearly maintenance. Spot treatments attack termites wherever you see signs of an infestation, so if there are more lurking beneath your home’s surface, you might not catch them all. Most homeowners opt for spot treatment.

For affordable and reliable termite inspections in Central Illinois, along with removal and remediation services, reach out to the team at Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc.

Categorised in: Termite Control