Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection

Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection

Wood-destroying insects, such as termites and carpenter ants, can cause significant damage to your home. A professional termite inspection is the best way to identify and treat the presence of these unwanted pests. Gerard Home Inspection provides thorough wood-destroying insect inspections at competitive prices so you can guard your home against infestation.

Is a Termite Inspection Mandatory?

There are no federal requirements for termite inspections, but many lenders require one to process a mortgage. Even if a termite inspection is optional, we encourage you to schedule one before purchasing a home. Homeowner’s insurance generally does not cover insect damage because it is considered preventable with proper maintenance. An inspection before purchase gives you peace of mind that your home is structurally sound and insect-free.

A group of termites are crawling on a piece of wood.
Termites are crawling on the ceiling of a building.

Preparing for a Termite Inspection

Termites and other wood-destroying insects like to live in dark, protected areas like corners or underneath items. To prepare for your inspection, move furniture and appliances away from the walls so we can access every nook and cranny. You can also clean out the space underneath sinks and ensure the attic and basement are accessible.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection for a Home Purchase?

An insect inspection will begin on the lowest level of your home. Using a flashlight and a probe, we will inspect the area for standing water, leaky plumbing, and weak or damaged wood. Your inspector will pay close attention to areas insects prefer, like crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. The inspection also includes the exterior of your home, where we look for structural issues, such as cracks, that offer insects an entry point.

Signs of Wood-Destroying Insects

If you know what to look for, spotting indicators of potential infestation is easy. These are some common signs of wood-destroying insect activity:


  • Piles of wings: When swarming termites find a suitable place to nest, they discard their wings.
  • Frass: Termite droppings or frass are a sign of termite activity. Frass resembles sawdust, so it can be easy to overlook.
  • Live termites: Seeing live termites close to your home or inside doesn’t necessarily mean an infestation, but you should schedule a termite inspection just to be safe.
  • Mud tubes: Termites construct tunnels to protect them when they travel outside the nest to find food. Mud tubes range in appearance from slim pencil shapes to larger, bulky ones.
  • Bubbling paint: When paint bubbles, there’s moisture beneath it. The usual culprits are water damage or termites.
  • Rusting in walls: If you suspect you have termites, put your ear against the wall and listen for faint rustling noises. Termites are loud eaters and shake their bodies to communicate with other colony members.

How to Keep Wood-Destroying Insects Away

Invasive insects, including termites and carpenter ants, need moisture to survive and reproduce. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent organic debris from building up, and ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation. Take the time to seal any cracks or gaps in your foundation, around doors and windows, and where utility lines enter your house.

 

If you use firewood, stack it as far away from your home as possible, and trim landscaping so bushes and trees don’t touch the house. The most important thing you can do is stay vigilant about looking for evidence of insect activity.

A gutter filled with leaves is on the roof of a house.

Wood-Destroying Insect FAQs

  • When should I get a termite inspection?

    Termites are the most active in early spring, so we suggest scheduling an inspection for late winter so we can identify and treat an infestation while the colony is at its most docile. 

  • What is a wood-destroying insect inspection?

    An inspection that checks your property for carpenter ants, termites, and other insects that can damage your home. 

  • How much damage can wood-destroying insects cause?

    The cost to repair termite damage averages $3,000 but varies significantly depending on the property's level of damage. 

  • Are termites dangerous?

    Termites don’t pose a threat to humans or pets because they don’t bite or spread disease. They only threaten your home, which a large colony can destroy within one to two years. 

Contact Us for a Termite Inspection Near Northern Kentucky

Do you need a termite inspection? Contact us! Gerard Home Inspection works hard to earn the trust of our customers by providing outstanding service and transparent business practices. We also pride ourselves on giving back to the community we love.

 

Gerard Home Inspection proudly serves Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, OH, and Southeast Indiana. Call us today at (859) 878-7768 in Northern Kentucky or (513) 387-9173 in Cincinnati to schedule an inspection or answer any questions.

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