If you have recently purchased a home, then it should have already passed a termite inspection before the purchase. However, just because it was free from termites when you closed on the deal doesn't guarantee that it is going to stay that way forever! So, with that in mind, how often should you get a termite inspection carried out on your property? Regular termite inspections and termite treatment in Knoxville can protect your home from potentially expensive termite damage.

Why Are Termite Inspections Important?

Termite inspections can benefit your home in several ways. Not only can a termite inspection confirm that your home is free from the pests before selling it, but if you have them conducted regularly, it can prevent a termite infestation before it starts by identifying small infestations allowing you to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville before a full-blown infestation takes place which could result in significant structural damage to your property.

When you commit to regular termite and pest inspections in your home, a pest control technician can work with you to put preventative measures in place to deter infestations and take control of termite problems before they take hold. Even if you do not have any reason to believe that you have termites, having regular termite inspections and termite treatment in Knoxville is still beneficial. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover the cost of termite damage, and insurance providers consider termite inspections a crucial element of your home maintenance. During an inspection, your pest control technician will look all around the home, searching for signs of termite infestation. They will pay particular attention to hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces. They will look for evidence of termites, which might include mud tubes, bubbling paint, termite droppings, wood damage, and termites themselves. If they see evidence of a termite infestation, they can work with you to plan the appropriate termite treatment in Knoxville to destroy the existing termite colony and provide ongoing protection against new colonies being established.

When to Get a Termite Inspection

Pest control companies and insurance providers agree that an annual termite inspection is recommended. This is the most effective schedule to mitigate termite infestations. However, you will benefit from more frequent inspections if you have an older home or live in a particularly termite-rich environment. If you are wondering if your home needs more frequent attention, talk to a local pest control provider for advice. They will be able to tell you about the local climate and the prevalence of termites in the area. In terms of the best time of year to schedule your annual termite inspection, late spring to early summer is the best option since termite colonies will grow and swarm to new locations in early spring. Scheduling your inspection soon after this is the perfect time to catch those newcomers before they make themselves at home on your property!

What To Expect During Termite Inspections

If this is your first time having a termite inspection, you may be anxious about what it actually involves. You can expect the entire process to take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size of your property. During this time, a qualified pest control technician and inspector will closely examine the interior and exterior of your property for signs of a termite infestation. This will include your attic space, porch, garage, basement, and crawl spaces. They will primarily be looking for high moisture areas, spots with impaired structural integrity, and mud tubes, although there are many other signs they will keep an eye out for.

Once the inspection has been completed, the technician will provide a comprehensive report detailing their findings. If they have found evidence of pests or termite damage, they may also offer a proposal for termite treatment in Knoxville to resolve the problem. They will also discuss preventative measures that can be taken following the initial extermination. In addition to ongoing preventive pest control, this will also include recommendations to make your home less attractive to termites. Some of these steps might include the following:

• Reduce Moisture - Termites are attracted to moisture, so make sure any leaks are handled promptly. You must also make sure there is appropriate drainage away from your property and that crawl spaces or basements are well-ventilated to help them stay dry.
• Maintain Your Landscaping - Try to keep shrubs and bushes trimmed back, especially those growing closest to your home, as termites will use long branches as a bridge to reach the house.
• Store Firewood Correctly - Firewood, lumber, and other wood products must be elevated off the ground and stored at least 20 feet from your home.
• Use Termite-Resistant Building Materials - When renovating your property, consider choosing termite-resistant building materials.
• Seal Cracks & Openings - Seal up any cracks or openings that can allow termites and other pests to gain access to your home.
• Educate Yourself - Learn the common signs of a potential termite infestation so you can get treatment early.
• Termite Treatment - Book regular Termite Treatment in Knoxville to help prevent future infestations.

If you are concerned that you may have termites, or if you want to make sure you are taking all the proper precautions, why not contact Otis Termite and Pest Control today to discuss termite inspections and termite treatment in Knoxville?

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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.