Throughout the state of California, including the Santa Barbara area, termite colonies are prevalent. Some types of termites you may have to deal with include subterranean termites and drywood termites, both of which can turn any wood structure into a pile of dust.
If you’re in the process of selling or purchasing a home, the term “Wood-Destroying Insect Report” has probably come up. This is an inspection that’s performed by a pest control professional, searching for any evidence of wood-destroying pests, more specifically, termites. The damage that they cause can go unnoticed, but can still be a significant detriment to the structural integrity of the home. In most cases, it’s necessary for the sale of a home, so you need to be prepared if you’re a part of the process.
Why do I need a Wood-Destroying Insect Report?
The purpose of a wood-destroying insect report is to point out any vulnerabilities that aren’t necessarily obvious to those who aren’t pest control professionals. The benefits of wood-destroying insect reports include:
- Avoid significant repair costs
- Prevent extensive irreparable damage
- Assess conditions that may make your home or structure vulnerable to termites
- Avoid buying a home with termites or termite damage
- Fix issues, so they don’t impact the resale value of your property
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s highly likely that your home is suffering from termite activity. These are some of the many things a termite inspector will look for during the inspection.
- Termite droppings
- Termite exit holes
- Discarded wings
- Mud tubes
These are usually the first indications you will notice of a termite problem.
The Inspection Process
When you coordinate with your realtor to move along the sale of a home, whether you’re buying or selling, they’ll help you set up a wood-destroying insect inspection. This is integral for ensuring the house is in good condition when the transaction is complete. Therefore, it’s beneficial to both buyers and sellers.
The Pre-Inspection Process
Once you have scheduled an inspection with the professionals, they will provide tips to prepare your home for their arrival. Usually, this includes moving stored items or clutter away from your interior walls, off the access panel under your house, from under attic access, and from under any sinks in your home. This ensures the inspector can access all areas that may be susceptible to termite infestations or damages.
The Inspection Process
When the termite inspector arrives at your home or property, they will discuss your concerns. The individual will then walk around the structure’s exterior to look for signs of damage. They will also look for conditions that may be susceptible to termite damage. Examples of this include:
- Water draining near your house
- Leaks around or in your house
- Gaps in trim or siding boards
- Wood that is in direct contact with the soil
Once the exterior inspection is complete, the professional will go inside and check areas commonly affected by termites. These areas include under sinks, baseboards, and windowsills. The attic will be inspected, and if your home is lifted off the ground, the inspector will evaluate the crawlspace, too.
After the Inspection
Once the inspection is completed, a Notice of Completion will be sent to all parties involved by email, fax, or mail. The inspector will provide you a report that highlights what they found, recommendations, and cost estimates if termites were detected. It is essential to take action if you have termites or if there are signs of termite damage, as the problem will continue to get worse and result in even more damage and the need for more expensive repairs. The professionals can also give you tips to help youprevent future termite issues.
How can I schedule a termite inspection with O’Connor Pest Control?
Termites can cause serious, costly, and irreversible damage to your home. Now that you know what a termite inspection is, you can see why scheduling this service is so important. Contact O’Connor Pest Control by calling us or filling out the contact form on this page to schedule an inspection.