^The Inspector Speaks

So you've found a pre-owned home you want to buy. You've probably looked it over carefully, but are still concerned (rightfully so) about the low water pressure in the downstairs bathroom and the peeling shingles on the roof's north side. And come to think of it, you noticed a small pile of sawdust along one of the basement walls. Termites? Maybe so. While all of the "little" problems you found are cause for concern--and for a subsequent professional inspection--the prospect of termites or other wood-destroying insects can be the most unsettling.

Why inspect for termites?
Every year thousands of homes across the U.S. are attacked by termites (a.k.a. white ants) or other woodboring pests. Termites actually eat wood, so, left unchecked, they can do substantial structural damage to structural elements, floors and walls. Home purchasers like you need to know if these pests are present before investing money. In addition to the hundreds of other home repair headaches it can prevent, a professional home inspection can detect signs of wood infestation and when necessary, make repair recommendations.

Is the inspection for termites only?
Not always. The subterranean termite is the number one wood-destroying pest in the United States, so its name is often synonymous with wood infestation in general. But there are other wood-destroying insects, including some other species of termites, that can cause as much damage:

• Drywood termites. Usually found in the southern and southwestern areas of the country.
• Dampwood termites. Found in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California.
• Beetles. There are several species of beetle that can do damage to both hardwoods such as oak and softwood such as pine.
• Carpenter ants. Usually evident when moisture problems are prevalent.

In some cases, a "termite report" might also check for signs of wood rot. Caused by a combination of moisture and fungal growth, wood rot can be very destructive.

Are these insects found throughout the U.S.?
As described above, some wood destroying insects are only found in certain areas of the country. Others, like the ubiquitous subterranean termite, are distributed throughout the United States. A local inspection service company or your state university cooperative extension office can tell you about the occurrence and importance of these insects in your region.

What does the inspection entail?
A qualified representative from a certified inspection company should perform the inspection. He will inspect all visible and readily accessible areas of the home or other structu re. An inspection may also include sounding or probing areas where infestations are suspected. The inspector cannot, however, see behind walls or paneling, into voids of cinder block walls or under carpeting. Infestation in these spots may go undetected.

If the inspector finds evidence of infestation, he then details this evidence in a written report. A termite inspection, which costs between $75 and $150, is typically paid for by the buyer.

Does a termite report guarantee there is no infestation?
No! A termite report (also called a clearance report) presents the findings of a trained inspector who searched for visual evidence of these pests in the accessible areas of the home. It is still possible that infestation is present within walls or hidden beams.

So the house has termites. What next?
The inspection company will recommend and usually propose appropriate treatment to control the pests. For termites, a typical treatment involves applying insecticides into mechanically bored holes and is usually guaranteed for a year or longer.

If the insects have already caused damage, you don't necessarily need to be alarmed. The damage may indeed be quite extensive, but it may also be superficial. In either case, the inspection company will probably estimate repair costs and recommend qualified contractors to complete the work. Beware of inspection companies who offer to repair termite damage (or any other type of damage, for that matter) themselves; such conduct is unprofessional and constitutes a serious conflict of interest.