How First-time Homebuyers Can Check For Termites

Did you know that termite damage occurs in approximately 600

,000 homes throughout the US each year? Even worse, this mass damage has cost US residents roughly $5 billion to repair their property per year.

For first-time homebuyers, buying a new home is an exciting occasion. But before signing on the dotted line, there are countless details to deal with as you wade through red tape and review property inspections for underlying signs of damage.

One Hidden Property Issue You Dont Want to Overlook

Although you may have meticulously checked your home inspection report for signs of structural, plumbing, or electrical issues, many homeowners neglect to check for one important problem: signs of a termite infestation.

In many states, termite treatment for an investment property is mandated by law. However, the state of California doesnt have any such regulation, although most mortgage agreements require that an investment property be cleared for termites before a buyer closes on escrow. This clearance means that a termite inspector could not find live termites on the property, though it doesnt provide a guarantee that there isnt an infestation.

In some cases, you could be notified that a house had signs of termites and was treated for the issue. If a house was then cleared, escrow will close, and youll be the proud owner of a new property. But many times, this clearance isnt enough to provide homeowners with peace of mind. Months later, you may still need to have your house tented in order to eradicate the termites completely to protect your home.

Most experienced homebuyers who have dealt with a termite issue in the past recommend requiring the seller to tent the home before escrow closes. This should be requested even if minimal termite activity has been detected.

This type of precautionary measure is necessary, especially when dealing with subtle infestations that may be difficult to detect at first glance, like drywood termites. The only effective way to get rid of termites completely is to tent a house to fumigate, which should be done far before a new owner moves in.

Signs of Termite Damage to Look Out For

If you dont feel that youve been given a fair shake in your property inspection, you may need to take matters into your own hands to check for signs of termite damage. Most often, a termite infestation can be recognized in a home by:Mud tubes in crawlspaces and around the foundation. If you find light-colored insects after breaking open a tube, the property is already infested; if not, the termite colony could be dead or may have created an alternate route to the house.Damp wood near the foundation or under leaky gutters. Termites are instantly attracted to moist areas and will create mud tubes near damp wood on a property.Bulging floors and ceilings and ridges in wallpaper. Any of these signs are out of the ordinary and should be further assessed by a professional Alabama pest control company; they can check for satellite termite nests that may have been built between studs and joists to cause warping in a home.by: Emily Taylor

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