Termites can be found in almost every state in the US, except for Alaska. These pests have damaged properties beyond repair, and structural damage caused by termites can be expensive to repair. As a prudent homeowner, you should be looking for signs of termite infestation on a regular basis. In fact, if you are buying a new home, you may want to get pest control to get termite moisture reports. The bad news is termites are hard to find in plain sight, and by the time you spot a few, the level of infestation has probably reached a new level. In this post, we are sharing all you must know about hiring professionals and how they can help in with identifying infestation.
Do I really need to worry about termites?
Yes, absolutely. Termites don’t need a lot to survive – Just warm temperature, moisture and wood. Termites do eat wood, and it’s a common myth that they do not infest new homes. Termite activity is at the peak during spring and summer, but it is possible to find them all around the year. Termites, if they eat through wood extensively, can impact the structural integrity of your home. There are recorded cases, where these pests have caused houses to collapse.
What is termite & moisture inspection?
As the name suggests, termite & moisture inspection basically checks for the presence of termites. The moisture of wooden components, such as subflooring and other things, is evaluated using special devices. An increase in wood moisture content is usually a sign of decaying wood and presence of termites. If the moisture content is above 28%, the damage is considered to be extensive, while below 12%, the wood is safe and doesn’t probably have termites. During termite inspection, the technicians and pest control companies will also check for other signs of infestation, such mud tubes, shed wings, droppings, and hollowed wood.
How to find the right pest control company?
Not all companies specialize in termite moisture reports in Chesapeake, so do your homework and select one that’s reliable and known. Make sure that they specialize in identifying and treating infestation, and do ask for an estimate in advance. The cost of termite inspection is usually fixed, but for further remediation and removal, additional aspects, such as the extent of infestation, will be considered.
Termite infestation can be detrimental to your property’s value. Don’t ignore the need for yearly inspections.