When Should You Get a Termite Inspection for Your Home?

Termites may be small, but their impact on a home can be massive. These pests feed on wood and can weaken a home’s structural integrity over time. Unfortunately, termites often go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Regular termite inspections help you detect the presence of termites early, preventing long-term damage and saving you from expensive repairs.

A termite inspection assesses the property for signs of active termite infestations, damage from past infestations, and conditions that may attract termites, such as moisture or wood-to-ground contact. Whether you’re a homeowner or in the process of buying a new home, a thorough termite inspection is one of the best ways to protect your investment.

While it’s essential to have regular termite inspections, there are specific times when scheduling one becomes even more important. Here are the key times to consider a termite inspection for your home:

1. When Buying a Home

If you’re in the process of buying a home, especially in areas where termites are common, scheduling a termite inspection should be a top priority. Even if the home appears to be in great condition, termite damage can be hidden behind walls, under floors, or in the attic. By having the home inspected for termites before finalizing the purchase, you’ll know whether any costly repairs are necessary or if treatment is required to eliminate an active infestation.

Many lenders also require a termite inspection before approving a mortgage, so it’s a good idea to check with your lender to see if this is part of the home-buying process.

2. Annually for Ongoing Home Maintenance

Just like you schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system or roof, termite inspections should be part of your annual home maintenance routine. Termites can invade your home at any time, and annual inspections help catch infestations early before they cause significant damage.

An annual termite inspection is particularly important if you live in a region prone to termite activity, such as warm, humid climates. Termites are more active in these areas, and regular inspections are the best way to ensure your home stays protected year-round.

3. After Major Weather Events

Termites are attracted to moisture, and severe weather events such as heavy rain, floods, or hurricanes can create the perfect conditions for them to thrive. If your area has recently experienced significant rainfall or flooding, it’s a good idea to schedule a termite inspection.

Moisture from storms can accumulate around your home’s foundation, softening the wood and making it more vulnerable to termites. Inspecting the home after a major storm helps identify potential termite risks and ensures that your home isn’t vulnerable to infestation.

4. When You Notice Signs of Termite Activity

If you notice any signs of termites, it’s crucial to schedule an inspection immediately. Some common signs of termite activity include:

• Mud tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and a food source. These are often found along the foundation or exterior walls.
• Discarded wings: After termites swarm, they shed their wings. If you find piles of discarded wings around windows, doors, or light fixtures, it could be a sign of an active infestation.
• Hollow-sounding wood: As termites feed on wood, they leave behind hollowed-out sections. If tapping on wooden structures produces a hollow sound, it’s a red flag.
• Frass (termite droppings): Termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored pellets called frass, which can be found near the foundation or in areas where they’re feeding.

If any of these signs are present, don’t wait—schedule a termite inspection immediately to prevent further damage.

5. Before Selling Your Home

If you’re planning to sell your home, a termite inspection is a wise investment. Buyers will often request a termite inspection as part of the sale process, and having an inspection done beforehand allows you to address any potential issues upfront. By identifying and treating any termite problems before listing your home, you increase your chances of a smooth sale and avoid last-minute surprises that could derail the transaction.

Providing potential buyers with a clean termite inspection report can also add to their confidence in your home’s condition, making it more appealing on the market.

During a termite inspection, a licensed inspector will thoroughly examine both the interior and exterior of your home for signs of termite activity. This includes checking the foundation, crawl spaces, attics, and basements, as well as inspecting wooden structures like framing, floors, and support beams.

The inspector will look for visible signs of termites, such as mud tubes, damaged wood, or frass, as well as conditions that might attract termites, such as high moisture levels or wood-to-soil contact. After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the findings and recommendations for treatment, if necessary.

At 1st Choice Inspection Services, we provide comprehensive termite inspections that ensure no signs of infestation are missed, giving homeowners peace of mind and protecting their investment.

In general, it’s recommended to have your home inspected for termites at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with high termite activity or if your home has a history of termite problems, you may need to schedule more frequent inspections—especially after wet or humid seasons. Regular inspections are the best way to catch termite infestations early, preventing them from causing extensive damage to your home.