Steps to Inspection
Understanding Termite Inspection and Treatments
Termites are responsible for more structural damage to property than any other insect, and North Americans pay about 2 billion dollars annually in their attempts to control or prevent termite infestations. This figure doesn’t account for repairing the damage the pests can cause before they are found and eradicated -that figure runs in the billions as well. Regular inspections by a qualified professional, and rapid treatment when termites are found, are vital to protect the investment of building owners – because when it comes to termites, time is not on your side.
Many years ago it was considered necessary only to have a termite inspection performed before buying a piece of real estate, but for many homes and other wooden structures this head-in-the-sand attitude has proven disastrous. We now know that having yearly or quarterly inspections by an experienced termite control specialist is essential in finding infestations early before the damage to wooden buildings becomes structural.
First, find the right company to employ, because pest control services aren’t all the same. The level or training and experience from provider to provider will vary as much as their warranties and customer service. Look for a licensed, bonded and insured company. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous customers as well. The inspector can’t be expected to evaluate areas of your home that aren’t accessible to him so do your best to make as much of your home as accessible as possible.
An experienced termite specialist can and will recommend treatment protocols to control or eradicate existing termite population and the necessary steps to prevent future infestations too. He will give you the information in writing as well as verbally. The termite inspection report will have two sections on it that you should make a point of noting: Section 1 and Section 2. Section 1 will contain information about the immediate steps you need to take to protect your investment, and Section 2 will contain the information about potential problems that may occur in the future. It will outline your properties vulnerabilities.
While there are baiting treatments with Sulflurimid and other chemicals available for the typical homeowner to try, in almost every case it is probably best to let a professional treat your property. This is most important in you have an infestation of Subterranean or Dry Wood termites. The strong chemicals used to eradicate the little buggers can be dangerous if mishandled and are often regulated by state and regional restrictions on their use. Termidor, Permethrin, Cyper TC are all popular choices for treating and controlling infestation.
In conventional chemical treatment a trench is dug around your home and chemicals are applied to the soil in an attempt to create a chemical barrier to keep the termites away from the building. Termite areas in the home are sprayed, or bait traps may be used. There are other systems on the market that seek to destroy the colony too.
Discovering that your home or property is infested with termites can be distressing and clean up can be expensive but with the help of a qualified inspector armed with the most recent information and experience you can get the problem under control before structural damage is done and keep the infestation from returning in the future.