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The Essentials of Termite and Wood-Destroying Organism Inspections
When you're in the process of buying a home, one key step you should never skip is the home inspection. In particular, the Termite and Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is essential to ensure you don't inherit structural problems that can cost you thousands of dollars down the line. This blog post will explore what is involved in a WDO inspection, common areas of infestation, potential damage, treatment options, and other useful information every homebuyer should know.
What's Involved in a Visual-Only WDO Inspection?
A visual-only WDO inspection involves a thorough examination of the home by a trained inspector, who looks for signs of active or previous termite or WDO infestations. The inspector will visually inspect accessible areas of the property, including the attic, crawl spaces, basement, garage, and exterior of the home.
Specifically, the inspector will be on the lookout for:
- Mud tubes built by subterranean termites along the foundation of the house
- Damaged or hollow-sounding wood
- Pinholes in drywall or wallpaper
- Small piles of sawdust (which could indicate a carpenter ant problem)
- Damaged or decayed structural wood
Areas That Can't Be Inspected
While inspectors do their best to cover as much ground as possible, there are certain areas they cannot inspect. These include any places that are inaccessible or unsafe, such as areas behind walls, beneath heavy furniture, or within confined spaces. Inspectors also won't disturb insulation, move personal items, or cause any damage to the property to conduct the inspection.
Common Areas of Infestation
Termites and other WDOs are known to infest certain areas more frequently than others. Common hotspots include:
- The foundation: Subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundations to travel between their colony in the soil and their food source in your home.
- Wooden structures in contact with the soil: Decks, porches, or wooden siding can provide a direct route for termites into your home.
- Attics and crawl spaces: These areas are often undisturbed, making them ideal for termites and other WDOs.
Potential Damage from WDOs
Left untreated, termites and other WDOs can cause extensive damage to a home, compromising its structural integrity. They primarily feed on wood, but they can also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Over time, unchecked termite activity can lead to sagging floors, hollowed or damaged wood, and ultimately, significant repair costs.
Types of Treatments
There are various treatment methods available depending on the type and extent of the infestation:
- Soil-applied barrier treatment: This is a common treatment for subterranean termites, where a pesticide is applied to the soil surrounding a home.
- Wood treatments: These include surface sprays, injected sprays and foams, and borate treated wood.
- Bait systems: These involve placing bait stations in the ground around the home to attract and poison termites.
- Fumigation: This is used primarily for drywood termites and other WDOs that live directly inside the wood.
Useful Information for Homebuyers
As a homebuyer, it's crucial to consider a WDO inspection as part of your purchase process. Here are some key points to remember:
- An initial home inspection does not typically include a detailed WDO inspection. You should hire a specialized WDO inspector to conduct this examination.
- If an infestation or damage is found, negotiate with the seller to have them cover the cost of treatment and repairs, or consider reducing the price of the home to accommodate these expenses.
- After the purchase, regular inspections are crucial. Even if the home was clear at the time of purchase, termites and other WDOs can infest at any time.
- Consider investing in a termite bond or warranty, especially if you live in an area prone to termite infestations. This is a contract with a pest control company where they agree to provide termite treatment and often cover the cost of repairs if an infestation occurs.
WDO inspections are vital to protect your potential home from extensive, costly damage. This inspection gives you the knowledge and peace of mind to make an informed decision when purchasing your new home. Remember, the cost of a WDO inspection and possible treatment is minuscule compared to the potential cost of repairing structural damage caused by these destructive pests.
