What Do Termites Look Like?
Termites present a major problem for homeowners. According to Orkin, around 600,000 homes experience termite damage in the U.S. each year. Plus, it only takes around three years for termites to cause noticeable damage. Homeowners simply can’t afford to ignore termites.
If you are in the process of purchasing a home, schedule a termite inspection. You risk thousands of dollars in potential damage if a termite infestation goes unnoticed. Also, most mortgage lenders require a termite inspection before they approve a loan.
How Do You Spot Termites?
People often mistake termites for other pests, like flying ants. That’s why it’s best to call in a professional to determine if you indeed have termites.
Regardless of species, termites have a few distinguishing characteristics. They are a quarter to a half inch in length with soft bodies and straight antennas. Termites often expose themselves during a swarm at which time they are darker in color than the typical white to light brown color.
Four Types of Termites Found in Southeast Florida
Asian Subterranean Termites
Formosan Termites
Native Eastern Termites
Drywood Termites
Signs of Termite Damage
If you suspect you have termites, look for standard signs of damage. Termites eat wood to survive. Termites will not go away on their own. It’s a problem you can’t overlook. The longer you wait, the more damage you will experience.
Buckling or blistering of floors, especially wood floors
Pinholes in drywall or discolored drywall
Peeling paint that looks like water damage
Hallowed or damaged wood
Warped windows and doors that become hard to open
Crumbling walls or floors
It’s especially important to look for any of these types of damage when purchasing a home. Your home inspector should identify major signs of damage. However, a termite inspection is best to find less obvious signs of termites.
The Importance of a Termite Inspection
Most people can’t properly identify termites. Therefore, it is always best to work with a professional when buying a home. Most people don’t know they have termites until there’s already extensive damage.
If you do discover termites during the buying process, request termite mediation and repairs of any damage. Your home can literally fall down around you if you don’t address a termite problem.
Even if you aren’t in the process of purchasing a home, we recommend annual termite inspections. Because termite damage can occur relatively quickly, you need to check regularly. The inspection pays for itself if you avoid costly repairs due to termite damage.
Trust Your Home to Kenco
At Kenco Home Inspections, we help Southeast Florida homeowners keep your property in top shape. We work with local pest control experts for termite inspections. If our home inspector identifies signs of termite damage during a home inspection, we will recommend a termite inspection.
Protect your investment with due diligence before you buy. Don’t risk an undiscovered problem. Instead, schedule a termite inspection when you schedule your full home inspection from Kenco. Call us today to discuss your home inspection needs.