In this article, we’ll tell you how often you should get a termite inspection, early signs that you might have a termite problem, and the tools used to do a proper termite inspection.
Termites in your home can lead to severe damage. Therefore, in order to avoid extensive damage to your home, it’s crucial to be aware of the early warning signs of termites.
Let’s get right into it, starting with how often you should get a termite inspection.
How Often Should You Get A Termite Inspection?
Termites are a common problem for Floridians, so it’s important to get your home inspected regularly. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issues ID cards that allow inspectors to perform termite inspections when purchasing homes; the Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control is one agency within this department which deals with such things as insects like termites. You should get a termite inspection when purchasing a new home and use proper termite prevention techniques to make sure you don’t develop an infestation.
Are there regulations for termite inspections?
Termites area big problem for the Sunshine State. In Floridian homes, it is important to have a termite inspection every few years in order to make sure that your house isn’t being consumed by these pesky bugs! A Termite and Other Wood Destroying Organism Report (WDO report) can be provided when purchasing or selling property. The inspector must carry an ID card issued from Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services which certifies them as an entomologist who should know how best to protect homeowners against any pests associated with wood debris like termites, carpenter ants, etc. The Bureau of Pest Control regulates the activities and issues licenses to the pest management industry. They are given authority by Structural Pest Control Act, Chapter 482, Florida Administrative Code & Statues, or other related rules from Department. Termite inspection ID cards issued for State Certified Operators that have licenses in the category of Termites and Other Wood Destroying Organisms; licensed applicator/inspectors working under the direction of a state-certified operator’s supervision is also an option.
6 Ways to identify if you need a termite inspection
If you find any of the below items in your home, it’s time to get an inspection immediately. Of course, it’s better to get a termite inspection before you see any of these signs.
Piles of Frass
Frass, also known as termite droppings, are one of the most common signs of a termite infestation in your home. These piles contain tiny pellets and are a sign of infestation if found inside or even outside of your home. Often found at the entry of termites, frass is a red flag that the termite population in your home is growing.
Insect Wings
If you find a pair of insect wings on the floor, this is a sign that you have termites in your home. Additionally, this can indicate that a swarm is looking to make your home their home as well.
Damaged Wood
Termites make their nests in the wood that creates the structure of your home. If you notice any damaged or crumbling wood in your home, you most likely have termites. To check the structure of your home, tap on the wooden surfaces to see if they sound hollow.
Mud Tubes in Your Home
A mud tube is a tunnel made of dirt, these mud tubes connect termites to a food source. When mud tubes accumulate on top of your homes wood, it’s generally a common sign of termites, that homeowners should be aware of.
Be Aware of Termite Droppings
Termite droppings generally look like sawdust. If you see a sawdust-like texture in various parts of your home, it could be a sign of a termite problem.
Cracks in the Wood of Your Home
Obviously, cracks in your homes wood won’t always mean you have a termite problem, however, it could be yet another warning sign. Termites eat away at the wood from the inside, so, check to see if a piece of wood is hollow by tapping or puncturing it, to determine if the cracked wood is from termites.
Termite Inspection Tools
Termites are the cause of many home and building failures. A termite inspection requires several tools, most importantly a good flashlight to see best in dark spaces where they may be residing. Along with that is a probe for tapping wood surfaces to detect hollow areas; ladders or similar objects so you can get high above ground level in attics, crawlspaces, ceilings etc.; knee pads which will protect your knees from hardening floors while crawling around looking for evidence; some sort of safety helmets like an engineer’s cap or construction hat- it protects against injury when something falls on top of you as well as any falling object should also have protective eyewear such as goggles if dealing with chemicals because their eyesight needs protecting too! Termite inspection costs are detailed in our recent article.
Are You Looking for a Termite Inspection in West Palm Beach?
Don’t let termites invade your home! Termites are nothing to wait on. Preventing and exterminating termites is essential. So, if you suspect you have termites in your home, contact us at Florida Environmental Pest Management. Our specialist will conduct a thorough termite inspection.