If you consider buying a home, you probably have a list of things you want to check out. This might include the appliances, condition of the fixtures, landscaping, and layout of the rooms. However, something you should be looking for is evidence of termites! These destructive creatures can chew through wood, flooring, wallpaper, and timber framing without being detected. If you are not aware of the signs of a termite infestation, it could be several years before the damage becomes noticeable. Then it will likely be too late to repair without considerable expense. That's why it is essential to consider the possibility of termites before purchasing a home. You could ask the current owners when they last hired someone to perform termite treatment in Knoxville as a preventative measure.

How Common Are Termites?

When buying a home, it is easy to brush off the advice to ask about termite treatment in Knoxville. After all, not every home is going to have them, right? However, the reality is that termites are more prevalent in the United States than you might think. However, according to termite activity data gathered by the US Forest Service, 1 in 5 homes in Tennessee will experience termite damage. This is determined by the Termite Infestation Probability Map, which lists Tennessee as TIP Zone 2 - moderate to heavy termite activity. It is always a good idea to have a termite inspection carried out by a professional pest control service before closing on your new home.

Did you know? Termite damage accounts for 90% of property damage in the United States and costs around $5 billion annually for repairs.

Termite Inspections & What to Look For

A termite inspection is separate from the regular home inspection required when buying a home. A pest control expert will inspect the home's structure, looking for signs of termite infestation, paying particular attention to the parts of the property that will be most vulnerable. It is particularly important to have these areas inspected for termites and the rest of the property. If you intend to get an FHA or VA loan to buy your home, you will likely need to produce a termite inspection to prove the home is termite-free. Other lenders may also request this.

When a termite inspection is complete, you will receive a report detailing any evidence that suggests an infestation, along with an estimate for termite treatment in Knoxville in order to eradicate the pests. If you decide to go ahead and buy the home, you will likely want to discuss preventative measures to avoid future reinfestation.

Some common signs of a potential infestation include:

• Buckled wood
• Swollen floors or ceilings
• Areas that appear to be water damaged
• Visible Mazes in walls or furniture
• An odor similar to mildew or mold

How to Discourage Termites

Once you have purchased your new home, regardless of whether or not signs of a termite infestation were present, you would be wise to seek annual termite treatment in Knoxville to help keep your home free from these pests. However, it is also good to take steps to make your home less attractive to termites. This includes keeping the property dry by quickly taking care of leaks and dampness. You can also make sure you keep woodpiles and mulch away from the foundation of your home. Knowing the signs to look for can also be a bonus as you will notice any changes around the foundation, skirtings boards, doors, and windows. Catching an infestation as early as possible is the best way to ensure quick removal of the pests.

--

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.