Termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause more than $5 billion worth of damage each year in the U.S. alone. That’s more damage than fire and windstorm damage combined. Because subterranean termites are very common in Arizona, termite inspections are an important component of the home buying process. We can provide termite inspections and WDIIR reports in Phoenix.
About Termites
In nature, subterranean termites are beneficial because they break down cellulose into the soil. Termites in Phoenix only become a problem when they cause damage to structures. Since they can be very elusive, they often go undetected. A properly trained and licensed inspector understands their behavioral patterns and conditions that are conducive to infestations.
About Termite Inspections
In the state of Arizona, an inspector must be licensed by the Arizona Office Of Pest Management (Arizona Department Of Agriculture) in order to inspect for and identify termites and other wood-destroying insects. A Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report, commonly known as a termite report, is the state-regulated form that is used for WDIIR inspections. This report identifies any previous or active wood destroying insect infestations. It also points out any conditions that are considered conducive for infestations.
A termite inspection is vital for determining the level of risk associated with a home’s wood. Inspecting the interior and exterior of your home is essential to protect your family from this pest. During the inspection, a qualified inspector will examine your house’s foundation, floorboards, windows, doors, and other areas. Aside from the inside of your home, an inspector will also inspect the outside of your home.
A termite inspection will also look for any wood-to-earth contact areas. This is where termites can access your home and bridge the ground. This often occurs in fence posts that attach to siding or other wooden structures. While pressure-treated or naturally resistant wood will be more resistant to termites, you must be prepared for the possibility of a future infestation. Using an inspection to identify potential problems before hiring a professional will help ensure your property is in good condition.
A termite inspection will also include an assessment of the exterior of your home. An inspector will look for cracks, mud tubes, and other areas where the termites might have infested the wood. A termite inspection will typically take around 45 minutes to complete, but longer if your property is large or contains a lot of wood. Afterward, the inspector will discuss termite control options that will protect your property.
Call ACTION Termite & Pest Control if you need a termite inspection and are in the Arizona and Phoenix, AZ metro area.
