Termite Damage and Termite Inspections

Termites are small insects which may cause extensive damage to houses. Their loss is slow but sure. It may take years before their effect is felt. This is why inspection of termite presence should be carried out from time to time.

To keep away termites from invading your home, here are some of the things that you should do;
• Do not put a garden so close to the walls of your home
• Do not leave timber, tree barks or any organic substance stacked close to your walls
• Keep wood on a raised ground to avoid invasion by termites
• Once you notice signs of termite attack, report it to the relevant pest control managers
• Remove old tree stumps from the garden
• Carry out an inspection of your residence from time to time.



If you suspect the invasion of termites, then a pest control expert may help deal with them although there are other methods in which one can personally treat these termites.

A termite inspection should be carried out after every 6-12 months. This inspection is done by a termite control technician who has knowledge and experience of the same. One can also perform the check all by themselves.

Before the inspection, you should prepare yourself well by ensuring that you have gloves, coveralls, flashlight and a pocket knife.

During an inspection, there are certain things that one should look out for which are;
• The presence of mud like materials on the surfaces
• Damaged wood; wood may appear crushed and their structures disoriented at the bearing points. When the wood is hit, it produces a dull thud. You can also use the pocket knife to reveal tunnels that were created by the termites.
• Mud tunnels. These are tunnels that are created by the termites using soil, fecal matter, and moisture. These tubes are meant to connect the tunnels to the top of the ground where they can access food and moisture.
• Piles of wings are an indication that the termites have moved to another stage of growth.
• The presence of swarmers can also be an idea of mainly during rainy days is an indication of termites. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are within your residence; they may be from the neighborhood.
• The paint may appear bubbled or buckled
• The termites may build subterranean tunnels on the ground, underground or along the wood.
It is always proper always to begin the inspection from the basement. These are the possible areas where the termites may be front because they are directly in contact with the ground.
Look for any signs of termite activity. The areas which are most likely to be invaded are;
• Wooden structures and crawl structures within the basements are the most likely targets and should be thoroughly inspected
• The window sills, frames, support posts, piers, wooden decks, and porches.
• Areas where concrete comes into contact with wood such as steps and porches
• Cracks in bricks and concrete where termites may have gained entry
• Piles of wood and stamps that are close to the basement
It is also good to carry out an inspection of the exterior of your house because that is where they may begin to move closer to your home. The most likely places that they may be found at are;
• Pile of wood that has come to contact with the ground
• Tree stamps


The conditions that will favor the presence of termites are;
• Wood to ground contact. It is a common practice to use wood for support in our homes. This will attract termites to our homes. We can supplement wood with other materials or treat the wood.
• Good moisture conditions. It is common for termites to be found around areas where the pipes are leaking. This presence of moisture will ensure that they have a consistent food supply and, therefore, make such areas favorable for their existence.
• Improper ventilation. This will favor the presence of moisture in the wood which in turn will attract termites.

After establishing the presence of termites in a home, we can call in the service of a peat control team who will help us eliminate the termites as well as doing the necessary reconstruction of the house to avoid any future invasion of the termites.

There you have it, be a responsible home owner by understanding these termite inspection tips.

For termite inspection and other long island home inspection services call the home inspector experts today!

Home Inspector Experts
19 School St,
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
(516) 537-9393


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