There are a few types of pest concerns you’ll want to be checking into for any property you’re considering purchasing, and termites are a top example. Termite infestations can sometimes repeat over periods of time, so knowing if a property has dealt with them in the past is very important as you consider any purchase.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to offer a huge range of pest control services for clients around Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City and nearby areas. These include termite inspections and termite treatments, and clients looking to purchase new property are among our most common here. Here are some of the simple ways to find out if a prior termite treatment has been done on a given property, plus whether you should be concerned about a potential future termite infestation and what to do about it.
Previous Owner Documentation
The simplest method of determining a prior termite infestation, and one that should be no problem for any reputable seller, is asking to see documentation from any prior termite treatments. Pest control companies who specialize in termites will generally issue these kinds of records for a period of several years after their work is done, and you can use this information to determine if there has been any history of termite issues on the property.
Simply put, any property seller who has had a prior termite issue should be willing to provide this documentation upon request. If they cannot or will not, this is a major red flag and you should consider looking elsewhere for your purchase.
Sadly, however, not all sellers are quite so forthcoming. Knowing other methods to spot potential termite treatments from the past is important as you’re viewing properties; our next several sections will dig into these.
Visual Checks
In addition, there are simple visual checks you can perform on your own during a walkthrough of the property to see if any obvious termite damage exists:
- Wall or floor hollowing: Because termites typically work from the inside out, you might be able to tap or push on a wall and see if it sounds hollow. If so, there’s a decent chance termites have been working away at the wood here.
- Small holes: Termites often leave small holes in areas of infestation, which can be another sign of past or present termite activity.
- External mud tubes: If you’re inspecting a house with a basement or crawl space, check outside for any mud tubes that lead up to the foundation. These are used by subterranean termites as they travel between their food source and their nest.
- Droppings: While only typically relevant for recent activity, termite droppings can sometimes be found near areas of infestation. They are small, pellet-shaped and wood-colored.
Other Signs
Depending on the property and its history, there may be other signs that suggest a prior termite treatment. For instance:
- Prior wood damage repairs: If you notice any areas of the home where wood appears to have been replaced or repaired, this could be a sign of a prior termite infestation.
- Previous pest control records: Even if there aren’t specific documents related to termites, previous pest control records might still indicate that the property has had past issues with pests in general.
Professional Inspections
As you might expect, the most reliable way to determine if a property has had any prior termite treatments is by arranging for a professional inspection. An experienced pest control technician can perform an in-depth evaluation of the entire property, including areas that may be difficult to access or see on your own.
If you’re considering purchasing a property and have any concerns about potential past termite issues, we highly recommend hiring a professional inspector before finalizing the purchase. Not only can they spot any signs of previous termite activity, but they can also advise you on potential preventative measures to protect your investment in the future.
What to Do
If you discover that a property has had a past termite infestation, there’s no need to panic. By obtaining documentation and performing thorough inspections, you can ensure that any damage has been addressed and the risk of future infestations is significantly reduced.
If necessary, our team at A-1 Exterminators can also provide effective termite treatments to give you peace of mind in your new home. Contact us today to schedule a termite inspection or treatment, whether you’re in SLC, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley or any nearby area!
