Why A Home Termite Inspection is a Must Before a Home Closing Purchase

Imagine finding your perfect dream home after a long search. You’re thrilled at the prospect of finally having a place to call your own. Boxes fill your mind, stacked in each room as move-in day approaches. This exciting new chapter is about to start!

But then the home inspector points out signs of termites chomping away on your beautiful new home. These tiny destroyers could cost thousands in repairs if the damage is bad.

Why didn’t you get a termite inspection first? Don’t make the same mistake – get a professional termite inspection before closing to protect yourself.

The Harm Termites Can Do to Your House

One termite takes over 3,000 years to munch through the wood in a typical 1,000 square foot home. But termite colonies have thousands to millions of members. Even worse, multiple colonies can occupy a single acre of land near you! Your home faces constant invasion threats from millions of termites ready to feast.

These bugs live to eat cellulose, which makes up plant fibers in wood. They chew through floor joists, wood framing, hardwood, drywall, insulation, and even wallpaper to find more meals. Termites earn the “silent destroyer” nickname because their damage is often invisible at first. By the time you notice, they’ve already left extensive destruction behind.

A pre-closing inspection lets a professional uncover hidden colonies before they turn your home into an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Certain Areas Face Higher Risk

When doing a termite inspection, technicians thoroughly examine the entire home. But some spots need extra focus due to increased appeal for termites. Areas where wood contacts soil or foundations offer easy access. Termites also love crawl spaces.

Make sure your inspector checks these termite hot spots:

• Concrete slab foundations where termites enter through cracks
• Any wood touching the ground
• Attached porches, steps, or patios
• Inaccessible crawl spaces with wood debris
• Areas with poor drainage or moisture

Carefully inspecting these vulnerable areas helps find termite invasion early. Look for telltale signs like mud tubes, buckled floors, or hollow-sounding wood.

Expensive Damage Repairs

Finding termites brings bad news. But fixing their destruction can drain your bank account quickly. Costs add up for several reasons:

• Major structural repairs – Replacing large sections of floors, walls, and framing is pricey. Expect big demolition and rebuilding.
• Inaccessible areas – Termites burrow deep into hidden areas like walls and floors. Accessing these spots for repairs takes work.
• Unseen damage – Visible destruction is only part of it. Expect to pay for repairs beyond the obvious areas.
• Prevention treatment – Eliminating the colony requires professional treatment around the whole home.
• Exceeds rebuilding – For severe cases, repairs cost more than original building price! You might pay over 100% of the home’s value.

Clearly, early detection saves money and headaches. Don’t gamble on sneaky termites – get an inspection first.

What a Termite Inspection Involves

A thorough inspection takes about an hour. The pest control technician examines the exterior, interior, and foundation for:

• Mud tubes along wood
• Hollow tapping sounds in walls, floors, or wood
• Buckled hardwood flooring
• Bubbling paint on walls
• Doors or windows out of alignment
• Peeling wallpaper or soft drywall spots

In addition to visible damage, the inspector probes wood with a screwdriver to check for hidden issues. The goal is uncovering termite destruction anywhere they access.

Afterward, you receive a detailed report summarizing any previous/current infestations, damage scope, and treatment options. Use this info when deciding on the purchase.

Professional Treatment Eliminates Termites

Discovering termites calls for quick action, but avoid DIY removal. These wily pests often survive store-bought chemicals and traps. Completely eliminating them requires pro-grade insecticides and thorough fumigation to reach the entire network.

Technicians have the proper tools and training:

• Powerful insecticides – Products like Termidor penetrate hidden areas to wipe out colonies.
• Fumigation – Sealing and tenting the home lets fumigants reach every infested spot.
• Follow-up inspections – Experts check for signs and re-treat if necessary.
• Structural repairs – They prevent return by sealing entry points and replacing damaged wood.

Don’t let termites consume your home from the inside. Get ahead of them with a pro inspection before closing.

We Are Here To Help!

As a new Santa Fe homeowner, use local pest control familiar with regional termites. Parker Pest Services knows the species, habits, and climate here. Their experienced techs provide complete termite inspections and full removal treatments.

Contact Parker Pest Services at 505-401-9380 to schedule a pre-closing termite inspection. You can also request an appointment online through their website. Enlist these seasoned pros to make your dream home termite-free!