Awesome Tips for Orange County Home Termite Inspection
Termite infestation home inspection should be done at least once a year. However, a DIY termite inspection can seem intimidating; there are strategies and tips to employ for a successful inspection. Besides, contacting professional companies for inspection is unreservedly essential (we recommend this termite inspection in Orange County), especially when a home has wood that is in contact with the ground. The professionals have required pest control skills, therefore qualified for the job. For DIY inspection, here are must-have tools:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Coveralls
- Bright flashlight
- Pocket knife
The tools highlighted will help you do the job perfectly like a pro. Wear disposable coveralls and gloves. A flashlight will help you light up dark areas, and a flat-headed screwdriver is essential when it comes to probing wood to discover weaknesses indicating termite infestation. There are a few things to observe for a super inspection, such as looking damaged wood, live termites, and mud tubes.
- Med tubes: Subterranean termites make their nests in moisturized environments and build mud tubes vertically connecting food sources to their nests. Mud tube is a surefire indicative of termite infestation. The absence of mud tubes, on the other hand, does not mean a lack of termites as there are other many ways termites use to reach their food.
- Damaged wood: wood with crushed and structural joints indicates the presence of termites. When tapping a damaged wood using a knife or a screwdriver, a dull sound is produced. Besides, wood infested and damaged by termites can be checked by probing the surface using a pocket knife or a screwdriver to uncover the tunnels. Subterranean termites exhume parallel tunnels to the grains.
- Pile of wings: Before swarmers move to the next stage in their development cycle, they shed wings. The wings are left scattered in piles near the light sources or near the windows.
- Bubbling paint/Brittle drywall.
Potential Termite Infestation Areas
Some places in Orange County must be inspected very keenly for termite infestation signs. Notably, termites are found in ground levels. Here are the areas to check:
- Construction wood elements in crawl spaces and basements.
- Brick cracks, expansion joints or cement holes and entries.
- Window frames and sills especially in the basements, subfloors, joists, wooden decks and support posts.
- Wooden piles near the foundation, including exterior basement, window and door frames, and tree stumps.
Once the infestation is discovered or ascertained, it is recommendable to treat the infestation using termiticide directly. Using non-repellent products to treat the nesting areas is recommendable. Non-repellent products stick on the termites’ bodies hence transfer to other termites within their nests. The products come in three categories, namely: concentrated liquids, aerosol sprays, and personal preference. Contact professionals to help you choose or recommend the right product to apply.
In other words, termites can be a nuisance and can damage expensive property. A termite inspection is ideally recommended to save property and resources. Ensure the inspection is done yearly, and once the signs are noted, contact pest exterminator agencies with immediacy to save the situation and save your property.
