Termites and other pests
Termites and other wood destroying insects such as carpenter ants can do damage to a home and greatly impact its value.  It's wise to have a specialized inspection to determine their presence as one of the inspections that you schedule.  

How do I prevent termite infestation?

There are many steps you can take toward preventing infestation if you know what these insects look for and take steps to make your home less attractive to them.

Termites are ground insects that look for habitats that provide food, moisture and shelter close to the ground. Any place where wood meets ground qualifies, especially if the soil in that area stays moist. Preventing water from accumulating near your home is the first step in preventing many homeowner problems.  To do this may require re-grading to separate soil from any wood around your home. Since mulch and many other landscaping materials cause the soil to remain moist, you should make sure to minimize mulching around your foundation.  Make sure that gutters and downspouts are in good condition and keep moisture from accumulating near the home. You should also make sure to eliminate any moisture problems in and around your home, especially in basements and crawlspaces.  You should also stack your firewood away from your home, preferably by several feet. 

You can also hire professional termite exterminators to apply chemical treatments that protect your home. Be sure to find out how long the treatments last.  The chemicals on the market today generally protect your home for up to 5 years.  Many pest control companies can also repair any damage that insects have caused.

How do I know if my home has wood boring insects?

It takes an expert to detect hidden termite or woodboring insect damage. General home inspections do not typically include a termite inspection. It is highly recommended that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection.

If you suspect your home may have termites or other woodboring insects, or if you would just like the peace of mind a professional inspection can offer, arrange for a local pest control firm to inspect and treat the problem if one is found.