What is a termite inspection, and why do you need one?
A termite inspection is carried about by a pest control expert, who looks for signs of swarmers (winged members of a termite colony), mud shelter tubes, mud in construction joints, wood in your landscape, and wood damage around your home. The expert will then assess if your home is at risk for termites or not. We can also install bait traps to lure termites in the area if we see these signs. Termite bait stations are canisters installed in the ground with bait inside and tiny holes in the sides that termites can get in through. They eat the bait and take it back to the rest of the colony, which slowly poisons the termites and kills them.
It’s important to have termite inspections done because Louisiana is a warm and damp state, which allows termites to thrive. Our state is considered at high risk for termite infestations.
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause around $6.8 billion in damage every year in the U.S. This is even worse because termite damage is not covered under most homeowner’s insurance. Termite damage can look differently depending on how long they’ve been feeding. Blistering/damaged wood or bubbling paint could be caused by termites, although water damage or other issues can be mistaken for termites as well. A pest tech can confirm if the damage is caused by termites.
Especially if you’re moving into a new home, it’s highly recommended to schedule a termite inspection. After that, we recommend inspections at least once a year to make sure your home is safe.
