What You Should Know About Termite Inspections

Millions of homes every year end up with some sort of termite problem, amounting to billions of dollars in damages. Annually termites make up more damage than that caused by fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes combined. Sadly homeowner’s insurance policies rarely ever cover termite damage. Many folks out there looking to buy a home need to understand the ins and outs of termite inspections so that they can potentially prevent these costly damages in the future.

Also known as a “Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDO) Report,” a termite inspection addresses the presence of any visible termite damage and checks for evidence of previous termite treatments. It is prepared by a licensed pest control company who, by law, are required to report only on what they visually encounter. Because of this, a termite inspection that visually clears a house does not guarantee that there are no termites, as these damaging pests can be hiding behind walls, under floors, or anywhere else hidden from view. As a homeowner, protect yourself by finding a pest control company that will back up their inspection with a limited time warranty.

Not every contract requires a termite inspection for the purchase of a new home. Thankfully most lenders and banks won’t make a mortgage loan without one, and most VA home loans call for one as well, but there are actually only a few states in the country that require termite inspections by law. Talk to your realtor about it before you close on a house.

When going to purchase a house, pay attention to what it says about termites in the seller’s disclosure documents. Be sure to read about the home’s termite history as any reports of damage should be listed on the disclosure.

If possible, as a home buyer, you should try to be present during the inspection. Not only is this the best way to ensure that the termite inspection was actually completed, but if termite damage is found, then the inspector can show you exactly where it is located. When they show you, you’ll be better able to visually recognize the signs of termite damage for yourself.

As a homeowner, it is extremely important to be proactive in order to protect your home from damaging termites. The Certified Sentricon Specialists™ at Emtec Pest Control have received specialized training in termite detection and treatment using the proven Sentricon® System. Let us help you guard your home against termites. Our service areas in Northeast Oklahoma include Bixby, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Owasso, Jenks, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook, Stillwater, Tulsa, and surrounding areas. In Central Oklahoma, we service Edmond, Moore, Oklahoma City, Yukon, and surrounding areas.