Termites can be a big problem for homeowners in California, especially when they’re building new. In fact, the state is so concerned about termites that home builders are required to treat their properties as soon as they plan them out. While there are many types of termites and not all of them attack wood, it’s still a very serious threat. Unfortunately, you can’t prevent them from being in your area or even buying a house affected by termites. Once you move in and find out about the infestation, there’s not much you can do except hope that enough people aren’t living above you at the same time. Termites don’t really spread through the whole house but rather through certain areas and repairs will be more difficult due to the presence of ants and moisture damage from urine.
How do you tell if your house has termites?
Termites are initially small, but with time, their population can grow and cause serious damage. They eat wood and make tunnels that you might not notice until the house is already infested. For many people, the presence of termites is a scary prospect since they can cause structural damage to your home. A good way to tell if there are termites in your house is by looking for damage on the roof or in the attic. If you see any of this damage, it’s a sign that there are termites in your home.
Getting a termite inspection is the first step
While there are some things that homeowners can do to prevent termites from being a problem, it’s important to make sure your home is protected. One of the first steps you should take is having a home inspection done by a professional before moving in. The inspection will show any potential risks that could lead to termite infestation, such as moisture damage or ant activity.
Getting a professional inspection is the first step in protecting your property and minimizing the threat of termites.
Where do you find an inspector?
That’s the worst part about termites. There are no treatments that can completely eliminate their presence in your home. You have to find an inspector if you want to be able to sell it, and they won’t be able to do much but inspect for damage. They cannot tell you what kind of treatment or repairs are needed or if your house is safe for sale. As soon as an inspector comes in contact with the insects, they will have to leave. The only way to really know if it’s safe for you is when the inspector gives you their written report on the property.
Inspectors will look for signs of termites
When you purchase a new home, your inspector will look for signs of termites in the structure of your house. If they find any evidence of termite infestation, they will have to treat the property. The more time between the initial inspection and when they need to fix the problem, the more expensive it’s going to be to repair it.
One way homeowners can save money on repairs is by having a pest control service come in before it becomes a problem. This will help them inspect for and prevent bugs from being inside their home in the first place. To keep your costs down, you should hire an exterminator early on or make sure that your inspector does a thorough inspection before signing on the dotted line.
If you do decide to move forward with buying a house with termites, then make sure that you get an inspection done soon after moving in so that you can take care of the issue quickly and at a lower cost.
Eliminating other reasons your house may be infested
Termites don’t spread through the whole house, but they are a big problem if you live in a home that is infested with them. A lot of the time, they are introduced to your property through new construction or renovations. Most termites can only survive in certain environments and won’t be able to spread throughout the house. Termite infestations usually start in one area and then spread quickly to other areas of the house. There are many places where termites can hide, like under furniture or behind wall coverings, so it’s important to look for any signs that would indicate an infestation before you buy a house.
Repairs to make before selling your home
If you’re selling a house in California with termites, your best bet is to make repairs before the sale. Other than that, it’s difficult to know what you can do to prevent termites from returning.
Selling a home is hard enough without having to worry about bugs. It would be wise for you to be prepared no matter what kind of property you have or are planning on buying. If there’s something wrong with the house, don’t allow people in until they fix it. If there’s something wrong with the land, don’t get into a contract until they take care of it as well.
Conclusion
Termites can be found in every state, but they are most common in the southern states. These pests cause serious damage to a home, so it is wise to get termites inspected before taking the leap. If your home has signs of termites, you may be able to sell your home as a short sale or REO. In the end, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to take the risk of selling your home with termites.
