How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
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One of the most annoying pests you will ever come into contact with is termites. They can infiltrate your house and eat away at the wood without you realizing it. Since subterranean damage that can frequently be misdiagnosed as water damage or dry wood damage a termite infestation can go unnoticed until it becomes out of control.
Although termites are among the most damaging pests, if you identify the infestation early enough, you can save thousands of dollars in damage. Thus, it’s a good idea to have a termite inspection if you think that termites are hiding in your walls or beneath your home.
You may be asking yourself “How long does a termite inspection take?” Depending on the size of the site, it usually takes the pest control specialist one or two hours to finish. Therefore, you can expect the inspection to take a little longer if your home is large.
To speed up the inspection process, we’ll outline the steps involved in a termite inspection below, along with a few easy chores homeowners can complete before the arrival of a certified expert.
What Does a Termite Inspection Involve?
To find any current or possible termite infestations, the pest control specialist thoroughly inspects the property during a termite inspection.
Examining the entire house as well as its exterior, the expert keeps a close eye out for termite activity hotspots, such as baseboards, door frames, crawl spaces, etc. where termites like to hide and live.
Typically, the inspection procedure entails looking over the following areas:
For evidence of termite activity, the expert first inspects interior areas, such as: rooms, crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
Because underground plumbing in bathrooms, kitchens, drywall, and utility rooms can provide termites with pathways to a home’s wood structures, special attention is paid to these areas.
The foundation, siding, roof, wooden decks, and any other external structures are also evaluated by the expert for the inspection of exterior areas. They search for crevices, openings, or other openings that termites might use to get into the property.
If there are any, the expert looks for evidence of a termite infestation in any substructures, like sheds or garages.
Given that termites may be drawn to trees, stumps, and woodpiles, the expert examines the surrounding landscape.
The expert also locates possible moisture sources that could draw termites, like leaky pipes or poor drainage.
Lastly, the expert will check nearby areas for any signs of wood damage brought on by a termite infestation.
After the inspection is finished, the pest control expert provides a thorough report detailing their findings, including any proof of termite activity and suggestions for treatment or additional action if needed.
Despite the termites’ preference to remain hidden, there won’t be any property damage as a result of the inspection, so there is no need to worry. Technicians are skilled at using a drill to look inside baseboards and pipes. Furthermore, the inspection procedure does not involve any dangerous chemicals.
How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
An experienced specialist inspects the property from top to bottom, inside and out, during a termite inspection. They will search for indications of termite activity, such as discarded wings, damaged wood, or mud tubes. To find hidden termite infestations, the expert may also employ specialist tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras.
Typically, this process takes one to two hours. However, occasionally it may take longer, depending upon the size of the house, the ease of access to various areas, and the level of experience of the specialist.
You can, of course, take certain steps to further shorten the duration of the procedure.
Steps You Can Take to Prepare for a Termite Inspection
Once an inspection has been scheduled, there are a few things you can do to make sure everything goes according to plan.
To start, you could rearrange things a little. You can move anything that is under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to make room for the expert. Everything you have stacked up against the walls in your garage also should be moved. You’ll also need to move anything outside that is up against your home’s walls.
Next, make sure you clear the area by moving anything that is obstructing the crawlspace, basement, or attic entrance. This will save the expert time as they won’t have to stop and complete it if you do it ahead of time
Additionally, remember to trim back any plants that covers the outside walls or foundation, such as bushes or ground cover.
Factors that Affect the Duration of a Termite Inspection
A termite inspection’s duration can change based on several variables. These consist of the property’s size and design, the extent of the infestation, and the kind of inspection technique applied.
The Size and Design of the Property
How long a termite inspection takes is mostly determined by the size and design of the property. Larger properties with several structures, like homes with large outdoor spaces or commercial buildings, usually take longer to fully inspect.
All accessible spaces, such as crawl spaces, basements, attics, and the property’s perimeter, must be inspected by the expert, so, the inspection will probably take longer if the property is larger.
The Extent of the Infestation
The length of the inspection may also depend on how bad the termite infestation is. The expert may need to invest more time in determining the extent of the issue if there are obvious indications of termite damage on the property or if the homeowner believes there is a serious infestation.
To find termite activity that is hidden in such circumstances, the expert might have to perform a thorough inspection of several areas and employ specialized tools. However, if the property has a history of routine termite inspections and there are no outward indications of infestation, the inspection time may be reduced.
The Kind of Inspection Technique Applied
The length of the termite inspection can also be influenced by the kind of inspection technique that is employed. A variety of inspection techniques are available, and every technique has benefits and drawbacks of its own.
For instance, thermal imaging can swiftly identify temperature variations that may indicate the presence of termites, whereas visual inspections depend on the pest control expert’s experience to spot signs of termite activity.
The duration of the inspection can be affected by variations in the complexity and time needed for each method.
Taking into account the aforementioned variables, it’s critical to realize that termite inspection durations can differ from property to property. For a more precise estimation of the inspection’s duration and to determine the particular requirements of your property, it is best to speak with your pest control expert.
The Best Ways to Stop Termite Infestations in the Future
Upon completion of the inspection, the expert will inform you of their findings. Additionally, they could offer advice on how to avoid termites by implementing best practices, which could include:
Eliminating Moisture: It’s critical to fix leaking faucets and keep water away from your foundation to prevent water damage to your house. Downspouts are a useful tool for diverting water away from your house. To guarantee that water runs off the foundation, make sure the soil around your house is graded correctly.
Maintaining Clean Landscapes: Keeping firewood, mulch, and wood waste away from your home’s exterior will help keep termites out. To stop termites from penetrating the wood surfaces of the house, make sure to trim trees and shrubs away from it.
Fixing Your Attic and Roof: You should repair any damaged wooden beams in the attic as soon as possible because termites can easily enter through cracked roof tiles and attic entrances.
Minimize the Amount of Clutter: The quantity of cardboard boxes in your garage or attic should be kept to a minimum to keep termites out of your house. One of the main sources of infestations for termites is cardboard boxes, which they can use as food.
You can more effectively prepare for the process and guarantee a comprehensive assessment of your property for termite activity by being aware of the average termite inspection duration and the variables that may affect it. Thus, be sure to keep yourself informed and alert for any signs of a termite infestation to protect yourself from these sturdy pests.
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