1Listing: Termite Inspection (Part 3) FAQs

Termite Inspection FAQs

Edited and Reprinted from MasterCareWeb

Why do I need a termite inspection?
Before any property is sold, bought or refinanced a termite inspection is required by most banks and lending institutions. Its purpose is to ensure that there are no active termite infestations in the property.

What does the inspector for in a inspection?
Evidence that would be typical of a termite infestation: Damaged wood, termite droppings, termite kick-out holes, termite wings are just a few indications that you have termites. An inspector also looks for any other type of wood destroying organism such as dry rot and fungus.

What if no evidence of termites is found?
You will receive a written termite report stating that no visible evidences of infestation have been found in the accessible areas that were checked. Every home should be reinspected periodically, especially if neighboring homes show signs of termites.

Is an annual re-inspection contract advisable?
Yes. Every home should be inspected once a year. Generally, the cost of an annual service control program is reasonable compared to the damage termites can do to your home.

How many type of termites exist?
There are 2 common types of termites found in Southern California. homes. Drywood termites and Subterranean termites. Drywood termites like to eat “dry wood”. They are most commonly found above the soil in attics, garages and throughout the home. Subterranean termites are usually found underneath the house usually in the sub area, vent areas as well as throughout the house.

How do termites get into a house?
Sometimes they fly in from a neighboring home, from wood that is in contact with the soil around your home and from their yearly swarming season (Mar-May).

Are there other wood-destroying insects besides termites?
Yes. Besides the most common termites -- the Drywood and Subterranean -- there are wood-destroying beetles, carpenter ants and carpenter bees.

What if the inspection shows termites or other wood-destroying insects are present?
Then it will be necessary to treat the property to prevent any further damage. If left untreated the problem will continue and cause greater damage and expense.

When is a fumigation recommended?
Since Drywood termites live in the wood it is impossible to check every piece of wood in a house. If evidence of Drywood termites extend into inaccessible areas of the property, fumigation is the only recommended solution.

How long does a fumigation last?
Usually three days. The first day is used to cover the property with a tarp and to insert the Vikane gas. The 2nd day the pest control company will return to the property, remove the tarp and allow the Vikane gas to dissipate. On the 3rd day the pest control company will we return to the property and check to ensure, with special equipment, that the Vikane gas is completely removed from your home. It is at this point that the pest control company will give the house clearance and allow reentry.

Do I need to turn off the gas?
Yes. If your house requires fumigation you will need to contact your gas company as soon as your know the fumigation date. Note: the gas company may need advance notice to schedule a gas shut-off date.

What chemicals are typically used to control termites?
There are two traditional classes in use today -- organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. Both are effective and will protect your home when used properly. Your inspector should explain these differences to you. In addition, a new category of non-repellant termiticides has achieved a very high level of performance in eliminating termite infestation. Because of its non-repellant nature, termites move through the treated soil picking up an effective dose. Subsequent contact with the other termite colony members helps transfer the dose to other colony members and accelerate population reduction.

What is the best way to totally eliminate Drywood termites?
By fumigation. Unlike partial spot treatments, fumigation completely eliminates Drywood termites from your home.

How do subterranean termites get into a house?
Very easily. All they need is an opening 1/64 inches wide. They may enter directly from their colony in the soil to the wood of your house. They usually commute daily between the wood and their colony.

Is there any other method of treating drywood termites besides fumigation?
The most common method of treating Drywood termites aside from a fumigation is a localized treatment in areas of infestation. This method should be considered as a secondary method of control due to its inability to reach areas that are inaccessible to the inspector and the pest control technician.