Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO)/ Termite Inspection
You might be surprised to learn that termites cause more property damage in the United States each year than fires, floods, and storms combined—about $5 billion worth. If you’re a homeowner or planning to become one, you’ll need to understand how these silent destroyers can impact your investment and why professional inspections aren’t just another item on a checklist.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your home, knowing what lies beneath the surface of your walls could mean the difference between a sound structure and a costly nightmare. Let’s explore what you need to know about protecting your biggest investment from these persistent pests.
Termite Inspections For Buying Or Selling Your Home
When buying or selling a home, a termite inspection becomes your first line of defense against costly surprises. In Texas, you’ll need to obtain an Official Wood Destroying Insect Report, which is a legal requirement for completing your real estate transaction. This document provides essential information about the property’s condition and any potential termite issues.
During a professional inspection, experts thoroughly examine the property for signs of termite activity, including mud tubes, hollow wood, and discarded wings. They’ll assess both visible and hidden areas to guarantee no infestation goes undetected.
Since insurance policies typically don’t cover termite damage, this inspection protects your investment and helps prevent future expenses.
You should know that termites can cause extensive damage over two years before anyone notices their presence. By getting a proper inspection, you’re not only complying with legal requirements but also potentially saving thousands in repairs.
Whether you’re the buyer or seller, this report gives you valuable leverage in negotiations and helps you make informed decisions about the property.
Common Signs of Infestation
Spotting termite damage early can save you thousands in repairs and prevent extensive structural problems. As a homeowner, you’ll want to regularly inspect your property for several telltale signs of infestation that indicate the presence of these wood-destroying insects.
Keep an eye out for mud tubes along your walls and foundation, as termites build these protective tunnels to travel between their colony and food sources. If you tap on wooden surfaces and hear a hollow sound, it could mean termites have been eating the wood from within.
You might also notice discarded wings near windows and doors, which come from reproductive termites called swarmers that are establishing new colonies.
Another clear indicator of termite activity is the presence of termite droppings, which look like small pellets near wooden structures.
Don’t ignore areas of peeling paint or what appears to be water damage on your walls, as these could signal hidden termite problems beneath the surface.
When you spot any of these warning signs, it’s essential to contact a professional inspector immediately to assess the extent of the infestation.
Damage Termites Cause to Homes
While identifying termite warning signs is a vital first step, understanding the full scope of destruction these insects can cause to your home puts their threat into stark perspective.
What you can’t see might be the most concerning, as termite damage often remains hidden for up to two years while these persistent pests steadily destroy your property’s structural integrity.
You’ll find that termite infestations typically begin with cosmetic damage, but they quickly escalate into serious structural issues that can compromise your entire home’s safety.
In severe cases, the damage can be so extensive that it leads to partial collapse of affected areas. When you consider that termite-related property damage costs billions annually, you’ll understand why a professional termite inspection is essential for protecting your investment.
Your home’s wooden structures are particularly vulnerable, as termites create hollow chambers within the wood while leaving the surface intact.
This deceptive characteristic means that by the time you notice visible signs, significant damage may have already occurred.
That’s why early detection through professional control offers the most cost-effective solution to prevent the thousands of dollars in repairs that untreated infestations typically require.
Why should you get a termite inspection?
Getting a termite inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make to protect your property. These destructive pests can remain hidden for up to two years while causing extensive damage that your insurance won’t cover. By scheduling regular termite inspections, you’ll catch potential termite infestation signs early, before they develop into major structural issues.
When you hire a pest control expert to conduct a thorough inspection, they’ll identify essential warning signs like mud tubes, wood damage, and discarded wings that you might miss on your own. This early detection can save you thousands in repair costs, as termites cause billions of dollars in property damage across the U.S. each year.
If you’re buying or selling a property, you’ll need a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection anyway, as it’s typically required for real estate transactions. Even if you’re not planning to sell, regular inspections help you maintain your home’s structural integrity and prevent costly repairs.
Don’t wait until you spot visible damage – by then, the infestation may have already caused significant harm to your property’s framework.
Contact Ellingwood Pro For Your Termite Inspection – Call today!
Professional termite inspections are essential for protecting your property investment and maintaining structural integrity. Ellingwood Pro’s certified inspectors provide thorough, unbiased termite assessments with same-day reporting. Our streamlined booking process and knowledgeable staff ensure comprehensive inspections whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your home.
