Termites and other pests
Termites and other wood destroying insects such as carpenter ants can do massive damage to a home and greatly impact its value.

How do I prevent termite infestation?

There are many steps you can take toward preventing infestation if you know what termites look for and take steps to make your home less attractive to them.

Termites are insects that look for habitats that provide food, moisture and shelter. Any place where wood meets ground qualifies, especially if the soil in that area stays moist. Correcting this situation may require re-grading to separate soil from any wood around your home. Since mulch and many other landscaping materials cause the soil to remain moist, you should make sure to minimize mulching around your foundation. Some experts recommend mulching no closer than a foot from your home’s foundation. You should also stack your firewood away from your home, preferably by several feet. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are in good condition and keep moisture from accumulating. You should also make sure to eliminate any moisture problems in and around your home, especially in basements and crawlspaces. 

You can also hire professional termite exterminators to apply chemical treatments that protect your home. 

How do I know if my home has termites?

It takes an expert to detect hidden termite damage. General home inspections do not typically include a termite inspection. It is highly recommended that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection.

If you suspect your home may have termites or if you would just like the peace of mind a professional inspection can offer, please contact us.  Our office can refer a company who performs thorough inspections for termites and other wood destroying organisms.