Termite Inspections
First-time buyers have plenty of questions about homeownership, but here’s one that always tops the list: “What damage can termites do to my house?” Termites are tiny pests that consume or live in wood, and they’re one of the biggest threats to property across the country. From roof rafters to windowsills, any wood structure in your home is at risk.
In a termite inspection, the inspector is looking for visible evidence of any of five wood-destroying organisms: subterranean termites, powder post beetles, wood-boring beetles, dry wood termites, and wood-decaying fungus. The best way to protect your home from termites is simple: take action before they do! In the guide below, learn to tell if you have termites — and what to do next — from the experts at The BrickKicker.
How to Tell if You Have Termites
Whether it looks like you have termites or not, it’s a good idea to get a termite inspection. What is a termite inspection, and what’s involved? We’ll go over that below — but for now, here’s what to look for if you think your home may be subject to termite damage:
- Blisters in wood flooring — Termites under your floorboards can cause this type of damage, which looks similar to water damage.
- Hollowed wood behind surfaces — Wood may take on a grooved appearance when termites chew through in search of cellulose. On the inside, you may find a honeycomb-like texture.
- Discarded termite wings — After swarming and landing to start a new colony, termites shed their wings.
- Mud tubes — Termites may live underground and burrow into the foundations of your house as their food source. Look for mud tubes where the ground meets your house, about the width of a pencil.
What Damage Can Termites Do to My House?
Back to that first-time home buyer’s question: what damage can termites do to my house? If termites are able to nest in your house for years, the resulting damage could cost thousands of dollars to fix — and it’s usually not covered by homeowners insurance.
Whether you’re buying a home or maintaining your current home, the best course of action is to be proactive. Regularly check your home for termite damage, and maintain a termite protection plan that includes termite inspections. What is a termite inspection? We’ll go into that in more detail in the following section.
What is a Termite Inspection?
When you schedule a termite inspection with The BrickKicker, we’ll check your home and property for signs of termites and other wood-destroying insects. In addition, we’ll look for earth-to-wood situations that are particularly vulnerable to wood pests.
Schedule an Inspection with The BrickKicker!
When you schedule a termite inspection for your condo, townhome, or single-family home, our highly qualified inspections can show you how to keep your home safe from termites for years to come. Sign up for The BrickKicker newsletter today to learn more!
If you would like a complimentary termite inspection or if you need to order a termite letter from a licensed extermination company please contact us at 706-353-2745 or negaoffice@brickkicker.com.
*The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission administer the Structural Pest Control Act (SPCA). The SPCA is the primary law for the pest management industry in Georgia. The Department of Agriculture is the enforcement agency for the SPCA.