Termites! You have probably heard the name of these little buggers before but do you know what they are? Termites are pesky little insects that feed on things like wood, wood chips, and decayed wood (logs). Some of them can be found underground in nests while others feed on dry or damp wood depending on the specific type of termite species. Did you know there is actually over 2000 different types of termites?
To make it worse, there are several other types of wood-destroying organisms as well! Wood-destroying organisms include termites, carpenter ants, fungi that can cause dry rot, and more! Make sure when buying a home to schedule a wood-destroying organism/ termite inspection to make sure your home is safe from these pests.
A lot of termite and/or wood destroying organism damage is actually hidden! Termites will hide in crawl spaces, basements and foundations. Wood destroying organisms such as termites can cause serious damage to your home! The scariest part about termites is that you do not always know they are hard at work chomping away on your home. No home is safe from termites. Some areas that termites like to destroy include wood areas of construction like basements or crawlspaces, places where concrete meet wood, like steps or slabs, wooden window sills, support posts, joists, wooden door jambs, decks and sometimes even wood piles, debris and tree stumps.
Termite Damage
Even though they are tiny little insects they can be really scary! These little bugs can cause a major headache for some homeowners. They can cause lots of damage which in return means lots of money. The damage these termites cause to a basement, foundation or even an attic can create a major issue for a homeowner.
It is important to make sure you do not have any termites or wood destroying insects when purchasing a home. Can you imagine? Buying a home and then realizing months later, that the attic has tons of little termites munching on it like it’s a hot fudge sundae. In addition to your garage, attic, and crawl space, there are several other important places to evaluate closely during a termite inspection. A home inspector can review several areas of the home and then help you determine if you have any damage from wood destroying insects.
You might be wondering how do I get termites? Majority of homes are warm and made from wood so they provide the best hang out for wood destroying organisms. Not only is your home super attractive to these little guys but they also provide shelter as well. Majority of homes even provide warmth and moisture which is the perfect accommodations for termites and helps them flourish and multiply.
Here at Ellingwood Pro home inspections, our inspector takes their time and reviews all aspects of the home that these little guys can get into and destroy. During the wood-destroying organism/ termite inspection, we will review and inspect the home interior and exterior for any confirmation of wood-destroying insects and wood-destroying organisms. The inspector will detail his findings in his report so you can determine if a more advanced inspection is needed or if there are no signs of damage at the time of the inspection.
The inspection will include a detailed termite/ WDO inspection report, documenting the home inspector’s findings. Termites and wood destroying organisms might seem like something that isn’t a major deal because they are so tiny but they are actually a huge deal if they start chomping on your home. They can also be a very costly problem! Make sure to get your home inspected for termites and wood destroying organisms! Give us a call today to have a termite inspection completed in your home.
Have questions about our home inspections and services? Give us a call at 276-566-5669. You can schedule directly online or by giving us a call. Curious about the cost of our services? Check out our free estimate tool on our website or by clicking here.
