As a homeowner, you may wonder, “Should I get a termite inspection when buying a home?” This is because termites pose an extreme threat to the wood and other building materials that support your house. And while not typically required by law, termite inspections are necessary for protecting your home.
What are termites?
Termites are very small insects that live in colonies underground. About a quarter inch long, they consume wood and other building materials, such as paper and insulation. Their unique diet can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, as they can cause significant structural damage to a home.
Unfortunately, most home insurance policies won’t cover you for damage caused by termites. The reason is that termite damage is viewed as a maintenance issue, and homeowners are responsible for the upkeep of their home.
How Termites Can Damage Your Home
By consuming wooden beams, support structures and flooring, termites pose a serious threat to the integrity of a building or home. Their eating habits can also affect the safety of the people who live there.
| Termite Type | Environment | Damage |
| Subterranean | Live underground in warmer climates; they thrive in large colonies. | Eat wooden structures from the inside out, making it easy for the damage to go undetected. |
| Drywood | Prefer dry wood and arid climates, as they don’t require moisture from the soil. | Cause localized damage in dry wooden structures, such as attics, furniture and beams. |
| Dampwood | Prefer moist wood and humid climates. They are larger than other types of termites. | Feed on wood that is already in the process of decaying, such as rotting fence posts and outdoor decks. |
What is a termite inspection?
A termite inspection is conducted by a licensed pest control professional who specializes in identifying termite infestations. During the inspection, they will look for any visible signs of termite damage to the interior and exterior of your property.
It’s important to note that home inspectors and termite inspectors are not always the same person. For example, if you are buying a home and your home inspector spots damage to your home’s wooden sills, they may recommend that you also hire a professional termite inspector.
How to Find a Qualified Inspector
Before you hire a termite inspector, make sure of the following:
- They hold all the necessary certifications and licenses
- Their business is insured and bonded
- They use the latest pest control tools and techniques
- They have positive online reviews and referrals
Signs that you need a termite inspection
As a homeowner, you can stop termites from causing serious damage to your home—if you know what to look for. Here are some signs that you may have termites:
- Termite tunnels
- Holes and cracks
- Hollow wood
- Bulging and sagging floors
- Discarded wings
- Termite tunnels – Look for muddy tubes on your foundation and walls./li>
- Holes and cracks – Keep an eye out for small holes in wood or cracks in beams.
- Hollow wood – Tap on the wood throughout your house and listen for a hollow sound.
- Discarded wings – When termites find the perfect place to settle, they lose their wings.
How does a termite inspection impact my insurance?
As noted earlier, most home insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by termites. That’s because they view termite damage as a maintenance issue that the homeowner should handle.
In some cases, though, home insurance may cover termite damage. For example, you may be covered if termites chew through the wiring in your home and cause a fire, as home insurance policies cover fire destruction.
Of course, if you prevent termite damage from happening in the first place, you are lowering the risk of a home insurance claim. For this reason, investing in a termite inspection is recommended.
Cost of skipping a termite inspection
Neglecting a termite inspection may seem cost-effective initially, but it can lead to significant property damage in the long run. The potential costs of termite damage can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars in structural repairs, treatments and lost property value.
How to prevent termite damage
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent termites from gnawing away at your home. Here are some tried and true preventative measures:
Reduce Moisture Around the Home
Termites thrive in dark and humid environments. Therefore, reducing moisture levels around your home can help make it a less attractive environment for these destructive insects.
- Landscape Drainage – Ensure water draws away from your property’s foundation
- Crawl Space Ventilation – Install vents or a fan to keep crawl space areas dry
- Fix Leaks – Inspect your plumbing for water damage
- Move firewood – Keep firewood and mulch away from your home
- Treated wood – If possible, use treated wood, as the chemical preservatives make the wood unappetizing or toxic to consume
Seal Entry Points
It’s important to regularly inspect your home for any entry points that termites could exploit.
- Foundation – Check your home’s foundation for small cracks and holes. Spray insecticides in those entry points and surrounding areas.
- Water and Gas Lines – Seal any gaps around water and gas lines that run outside your home. Use caulk or a foam sealant.
- Create a Barrier – Keep an 18-inch gap or barrier between the soil and any wooded areas of your home.
Install Termite Traps
Termite traps, or bait stations, attract termites, then either kill them or interfere with their reproduction cycle. Here’s what to do:
