Socal Termite Services
The Inspection
A termite inspection is a visible inspection of accessible areas of a structure for the purpose of identifying wood-destroying organisms such as termites, fungus, beetles, carpenter ants and carpenter bees. These items, which indicate current infestation, infection or damage, are labeled as Section 1 on the termite report. In addition to identification of wood-destroying pests, the inspection will also identify conditions that can lead to infestation or damage such as earth-to-wood contacts, cellulose debris, excessive moisture conditions (leaks, inadequate ventilation), large foundation cracks, faulty grade levels, grout cracks). These items would be labeled as Section 2 on a termite report.
The following areas of a home would normally be inspected:
Substructure
Stall Showers
Foundations
Porches & Steps
Ventilation
Abutments
Attic Spaces
Garages
Decks & Patios
Interior
Exterior
The type of treatment is determined mostly by the type of termite infestation that a structure has. There are two basic types of termites: drywood termites, and subterranean termites. We recommend several types of treatment options depending on the visible areas of infestation:
Fumigation: The fumigation crew covers the structure with tarps and secures the tarps with “sand snakes” placed at the foundation of the structure and other areas as needed to contain the fumigant.
A licensed fumigator ensures the removal of food, drugs, plants, people and pets and makes sure that doors and drawers are left open.
The crew secures entryways and posts warning signs.
The fumigator applies warning agent and introduces fumigant into the tented structure.
Fumigant is contained within the tented structure for a predetermined period of time.
The crew removes the tarps from the structure.
The licensed fumigator opens all windows and doors and uses fans to aerate the structure.
The crew again secures the property with secondary locks and warning signs.
Once the structure had been allowed to aerate for the proper period of time, the licensed fumigator uses equipment to sample the air from the living spaces of the structure.
When the fumigator determines that it is safe to return to the structure, the secondary locks and warning signs are removed and a Re-Entry Notice is placed on the front door. This process is a total of 3 days and 2 nights.
Local Treatment: Locally treat visible area of infestation. This is only possible when inspector determines localized treatment is appropriate.
Subterranean termite colonies are in the ground and travel up to a food source (which is wood). Control the subterranean termite infestation is gained by applying chemicals at the point where the infestation is gaining entry.
Sub-Treatment: Treatment of the soil in the sub-area. This usually includes the removal of the cellulose debris (wood scrap) beneath the structure. Treatment of the exterior soil immediately around the perimeter of the structure. Drilling through concrete slabs and injecting chemical into the soil below. This treatment can include porches, steps, patios, walkways, garage slabs or other concrete slabs within the interior of the structure. Sub-termite infestations enter from beneath concrete slabs through both visible and inaccessible cracks, joints and other voids in the slabs.
Termite damage repairs: All of our bids include termite wood repairs if there is any wood repairs to be completed to the property, information regarding the extent on the damage and related repairs will be included in your termite report. Our crew workers are licensed contractors with extensive experience in this type of work, all of our repairs come with a two year warranty.
Real Estate Termite Inspections:
Most lenders require a termite clearance and most buyers want to know the structure they purchase is free from infestation.
Get an inspection prior to listing the property, so you can consider any work that needs to be completed and possibly adjust your listing price.
Make sure that a WDO inspection is part of the escrow instructions, whether your lender requires it or not.
Once you get the report, feel free to contact our inspector for any clarification needed. That’s our job, and we’re always happy to answer your termite questions.