Home Inspector Shakopee | Home Inspection 952-456-4810
There are a few things more upsetting to homeowners than being told their house shows signs of a termite infestation. Considered one of the most destructive pests in the U.S., termites are a very real threat for homeowners. It’s often difficult to see signs of termites until you have a full-blown infestation, but when you do, you want to act fast. Although it’s best to leave termite control to the professionals, the more you know, the better!
When our inspector comes in these are the signs of termite infestation we will be looking for:
- Signs of swarming: Swarms in the interior of a home are a strong indication that the structure is infested with Subterranean Termites. (Remember, drywood termites don’t swarm.) Interior swarms are often found near windows, doors, etc., as the flying reproductive ones are attracted to lighted areas.
- Mud tubes: Tunnels made of soil, wood cellulose and other matter located near the house’s foundation, in the crawl space or attic, near pipes or chimneys, or other access points are an indication that termites have been and may still be present in the home. They will also look for cracks in the foundation or sheetrock that have been sealed closed with mud.
- Signs of damage to wood beams: Termite inspectors will tap on the wood with a mallet, since a beam that sounds hollow may be an indication that termites have attacked the wood. Another sign is an exposed beam that shows signs of deep grooves on the softer innermost portion since termites eat wood from the inside out.
- High moisture content in the walls: The inspector will use a moisture meter to check the moisture level of walls or wood trim around doors or windows since a higher-than-normal level could be a sign that termites are present.
- Potential access points: Wood fencing that touches the home, piles of firewood adjacent to the structure, wood mulch or other sources of termite “food” that are in close proximity of the house can provide a good base of operation for the termite army. They will inspect these areas for signs of active or past infestation.
- Visible termites: It may be stating the obvious, but if termites are visible and you see them in or around your home, then there’s a good chance you have an infestation!