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You finally found the perfect house, and it checks all the boxes on your list. But before you sign those papers, take a minute to make sure your house doesn’t have any hidden issues. Did you know that termites damage approximately 600,000 homes per year in the United States? Before buying a new home, a termite inspection is a must-do for several reasons.

Termites, also known as white ants, are wood-destroying insects. They are not dangerous to humans, but they are incredibly hazardous to your home due to the amount of damage they can cause. Down to their bones, most homes are constructed of wood, which is the favorite snack of a termite. They consume wood from cabinets, joists, walls, papers, boxes, and books in homes. They are even known for destroying shrubs, trees, and other foliage surrounding your home.

Even though the average cost of termite damage repair is $3,000 and termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually, no federal law mandates a termite inspection when buying a home. However, many lenders do require one. Your mortgage lender might request that you obtain a termite clearance letter before closing on your home.

After visiting the property, a pest control company provides a termite clearance letter and inspects the home for termites and termite damage. The inspection takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the home’s size. The inspector will need access to the entire house to inspect for visible signs of termite infestation, such as damaged wood, mud tubes, or droppings. 

Even if your mortgage lender does not require a termite clearance letter, there are several reasons to get a termite inspection before you purchase a home.

 Typically, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage, so remedying any underlying issues through the home’s sale negotiations will save you money. The inspection cost is small compared to the cost of repairing a termite problem down the road.

 Additionally, you may have active termites in your new home that your untrained eye cannot detect. Your licensed termite inspector can detect the presence of these pests before the damage is visible to the untrained eye. Termites can be present in the home for up to five years before the colony is large enough to cause significant damage. 

 The good news is that even if termites are detected on the property, not all is lost. Your professional can use termite removal methods to remedy the problem, maintain your structure’s integrity, and prevent future outbreaks.

Count on Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions for your termite inspection and prevention services. We have been keeping homes and businesses in the mid-south area bug-free for over two decades. In addition to eradicating pest problems, our highly trained exterminators can identify ways to protect your building from future infestations. Contact us for a free quote today!

Sources:

https://ridallbug.com/

https://www.simpleshowing.com/blog/do-you-really-need-a-termite-inspection-when-you-buy-a-home