What is a Pest Inspection, and Why Do I Need One to Sell My Home?
When homeowners think of termites, they tend to picture a black cloud of locusts swirling in the distance, then swooping onto a home to devour it in buzzsaw fashion and then they immediately think about hiring the Sunnystate Pest Control Brisbane team.
Reality is, infestations are less dramatic and spread slowly. But the damage can be financially devastating if not addressed early.
In Southern California, homebuyers often request that the seller provide a Wood-Destroying Pest and Organism Inspection, with repairs for any damage or infestation noted.
Inspections range from $75-$100 with a professional pest exterminator, but it’s the damage found that can wrack up costs. Before a homeowner puts their property on the market, they need to know what it will cost to get a termite clearance. Otherwise, they could get a surprise to their bottom line.
What do pest inspections entail? Inspectors, who must be licensed by the State of California, look for the following:
- Subterranean Termites: This species lives underground but can access wooden structures through mud tubes that they build. The infested soil must be treated with chemicals to kill the termites.
Drywood Termites: This species live inside wood, consuming the wood as they burrow inside to build colonies. Infestations can be treated with removal of damaged wood, fumigation or heat treatments.- Fungus and Dryrot: Some forms of fungus destroy wood through decay. Long-term decay from fungus produces dryrot. Damaged wood must be removed and the source of fungus-causing moisture must be cured.
- Beetles: Wood-destroying beetles burrow into wood and can weaken the structural integrity of a home. Treatments include fumigation and heat treatments.
- Carpenter Ants: This species builds nests in wood but they do not eat the wood. Treatments include fumigating and chemical soil treatment.
- Dampwood Termites: This species must have a continuous source of moisture. Treatments include removing the moisture source and fumigation.
- Earth-to-Wood Contact: Untreated wood in direct contact with soil can attract termite infestations and fungus.
- Grade Levels: Exterior soil levels that are even with or higher than the foundation of a home can create conditions for termite infestations.
- Excessive Moisture: When moisture comes into contact with wood, it can damage the wood and create conditions for termites and fungus.
- Shower Pan Leaks: Leaking shower pans can damage wood under a home and attract pests or fungus.
Pest inspectors thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of a home looking for signs of pests, moisture or fungus. They also inspect attics and, if applicable, crawl spaces.
Signs of a pest infestation can be difficult to spot or identify. Would you like a referral to a qualified pest inspector? Call us today at 951-778-9700 or use the form below.
photo courtesy of panuruangjan | freedigitalphotos.net
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