While you are reading this blog, there is a high chance that your house is being invaded by some nasty intruders: termites. These invaders love feeding on your house’s wood material, making it structurally weaker. You might have noticed some signs of termite activity in your home, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, frass, wood damage, etc. Maybe you ignored this all, thinking that it’s nothing. However, it was a big red flag indicating, “Hey, something is going on within your home.”
If you live in Illinois, then you have some additional concerns. It’s already summer, and the warmer days are the best time for termites to thrive in your home. Plus, the humidity your house will be experiencing for the next couple of months will provide the perfect moist conditions for these intruders to survive, giving them favorable environments to live and grow.
However, there’s no need to fidget just yet. While we’ve outlined the concerns, we also have a solution: schedule a termite inspection. It’s always wise to have your home inspected for termites to understand their presence and activity. This lets you determine the best starting point for mitigating the issue and securing your home from further damage.
In this blog, we will provide you with a termite inspection checklist to help you understand what must be covered during an inspection to ensure your home’s safety.
What Do Termite Inspectors Look For: A Checklist
Termite inspectors look for key indicators that serve as signs of termite activity and damage. The inspection is divided into two parts. First, the house’s exterior is inspected, and then the interior. Here’s what is covered during a termite inspection.
Exterior Inspection
Foundation and Lower Walls
The foundation and lower walls are inspected first when a termite inspection is performed. Inspectors check them for different visible signs of termite activity. They look closely for mud tubes along foundations, walls, and visible construction joints. It’s important to assess all these as termites are used for travel and moisture retention. If your home’s foundation and lower walls have any wood, inspectors will look for signs of wood damage or hollow sounds when tapped. All of this is an indicator of an internal termite infestation. The painted surfaces are also examined for bubbling or cracked paint, as these may indicate moisture buildup.
Siding and Trim
The termite inspection also includes examining the wooden sidings, trims, and fascia boards. If these show any signs of termite damage, then that is noted down. Inspectors also look for visible signs of damage, like damaged or weakened wood. If these are found, then there is a fair chance of ongoing termite activity. Besides this, these areas are checked for frass and termite droppings that also indicate dry wood termites.
Windows and Door Frames
These are among the most important factors that must be inspected during a termite inspection. Inspectors check for mud tubes, which clearly indicate termite activity. They also inspect the wood around windows and doors for any indicated damage, such as hollowed-out areas or crumbling wood. All of these indicate the ongoing termite infestation. Look for discarded wings near these entry points, as they signify the presence of reproductive termites that have swarmed to establish new colonies.
Landscaping
When inspecting landscaping around a property, inspectors carefully examine areas where organic materials are present. They inspect mulch, woodpiles, and other organic debris near the house for mud tubes or frass. They also check trees and shrubs close to the house for signs of infestation, including mud tubes on trunks or branches and visible damage to the wood.
Interior Inspection
Basement and Crawl Spaces
Inspectors start off the interior inspection by thoroughly assessing exposed wooden structures for signs of termite activity and damage. During the inspection, they inspect the following for any visible mud tubes:
- Wooden beams
- Joists
- Supports
They also check for signs of damage, such as hollowed-out wood or crumbling beams, which could indicate ongoing termite infestation. Once this is done, the moisture levels are monitored to look for any indications of water damage, as high humidity and damp conditions can attract termites.
Walls and Ceilings
When inspecting walls and ceilings, the inspector starts by tapping on the walls to hear any hollow sounds that indicate the internal wood damage caused by termites consuming wood from within. Once this is done, they check the painted surfaces for blistering or peeling paint that indicates moisture buildup associated with termite activity.
Floors
Floors are specifically checked for any indications of buckling or sagging, as these could be red flags for structural damage caused by termites compromising the wood underneath. The edges, mud tubes, and frass are also inspected. The floors are thoroughly inspected to check for such signs, helping you take prompt action to mitigate further damage and ensure the integrity of the flooring and surrounding structures.
Attic
During an attic inspection, inspectors thoroughly assess the condition of the following:
- Wooden rafters
- Trusses
- Other structural elements
They check these all for any signs of termite activity and for visible damage, such as hollowed-out wood or crumbling sections, which may indicate ongoing infestation. Inspectors will also look closely for mud tubes along these wooden structures, as termites use these tubes for transportation and protection. Additionally, they will inspect for signs of moisture accumulation, as high humidity levels can create conditions that attract termites.
Plumbing
When inspecting the plumbing system, the inspector carefully examines the areas surrounding pipes and plumbing fixtures for any signs of potential termite activity. They will inspect it for moisture buildup, leaks, or dripping pipes that can create perfect conditions for termites to thrive. After identifying and addressing these issues promptly, it becomes easier to prevent infestations and mitigate the risk of structural damage caused by termites.
Electrical Outlets and Switches
During an inspection of electrical outlets and switches, it’s important to take thorough measures to detect any signs of termite activity. Inspectors start the process by carefully removing the covers to examine inside the walls for indications of termite damage. Termites can exploit these openings to access the interior spaces of walls; thus, it is important to check for any signs of their presence.
Conclusion
It’s best if you schedule termite inspections at least twice a year. These inspections will offer you different benefits, starting with protecting your property and ensuring prompt and proper treatment. This will eventually minimize the repair cost of the damage done and preserve your property’s value. Besides this, these inspections contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment by preventing structural weaknesses that might compromise your home’s integrity. By conducting inspections, homeowners can also take proactive measures to prevent future infestations, such as eliminating moisture sources and maintaining proper ventilation. Getting a termite inspection twice a year might seem like an extra task, but considering these benefits, it is all worth it. After all, it protects your property and provides peace of mind, knowing that potential threats are addressed swiftly and effectively.
Read more about why we get a termite inspection.
Discover peace of mind with Hawley Home Inspections! Our thorough termite inspection services are designed to protect your investment. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, our expert team ensures early detection of termite activity. Don’t let termites jeopardize your property—schedule your comprehensive termite inspection today and safeguard your home for the future.
