Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. When you’re looking to purchase real estate in the Phoenix area, there are many factors to take into consideration to protect your investment. One crucial step that is often overlooked is getting a termite inspection Phoenix.
Termites are a major problem in Arizona and can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked. Getting a thorough termite inspection by a qualified professional should be at the top of your to-do list when buying a home in Phoenix. Here’s a closer look at why termite inspections are so vital for homebuyers in this market.
The High Termite Risk in Phoenix
The Phoenix metro area is prone to termite infestations due to its hot, arid climate and abundance of old trees and wood construction. Two species in particular wreak havoc here:
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Subterranean termites – These termites live underground and form large colonies that forage for food sources. They enter structures from below and can cause major damage before any signs appear above ground.
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Drywood termites – As their name suggests, drywood termites thrive in low moisture conditions. They live inside wood and slowly hollow it out from the inside. This makes them harder to detect until excessive damage occurs.
Phoenix is in the top five cities in the U.S. for termite treatment frequency. Some specific factors that make the area especially high-risk include:
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Older homes – Termites have longer to infest structures built decades ago. Phoenix has many vintage homes that need vigilant monitoring.
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Citrus trees – The fallen fruit from orange, grapefruit, and lemon trees attracts termites. Phoenix has citrus trees dotting the landscape.
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Palm trees – Slow-decaying palm fronds piled around the trunks provide an ideal food source for termites. Phoenix is well known for palm trees.
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Irrigation – Termites flourish in moisture. Phoenix’s sprinkler and irrigation systems provide constant water.
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Desert climate – The arid environment drives termites to seek moisture inside structures.
With termites so active in the region, buying a home in Phoenix without an inspection is extremely risky.
Telltale Signs of Termites in Phoenix Homes
Termites are sneaky pests that often go undetected until major structural damage occurs. Here are some common signs of termites to look out for in Phoenix homes:
1. Mud tubes – Subterranean termites construct mud tubes along the exterior and interior foundation as they travel to and from their food source. These are major red flags.
2. Hollow sounding wood – Tapping on walls, floors or wood trim that sounds hollow means termites have eaten away the insides.
3. Piles of wings – Swarming termites will leave behind discarded wings around windows and doors.
4. Cracked paint or drywall – Termites tunneling under the surface can cause paint or drywall to crack.
5. Sagging doors or floors – Extensive termite damage causes wood to weaken and sag under weight.
6. Damaged framing – Termites chew through vital structural framing like floor joists and roof rafters.
7. Specks in wood – Drywood termites’ fecal pellets appear as small specks in infested wood.
Catching these signs early allows treatment before major damage. An inspector has the expertise to detect even well-hidden clues.
What the Termite Inspection Entails
A comprehensive termite inspection Phoenix consists of several components. Inspectors check:
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Inside – Baseboards, carpets, crawl spaces, bath traps
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Outside – Foundations, slabs, patios, porches, roof, fences
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Attics – Roof systems, wall voids, plumbing, vents, insulation
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Yards – Landscaping, irrigation, planters, mulch, woodpiles
Inspectors use flashlights,moisture meters, probes, ladders and other tools to thoroughly examine the property.
They look for current activity as well as signs of past infestations. Previous termite damage that has been repaired must also be disclosed.
Inspections involve physically opening up walls, pulling up flooring and gaining access to crawl spaces. The more invasive, the better, to find hidden colonies.
Treatment companies only spot treat visible termites. Inspectors reveal the full scope of the problem for proper treatment.
How Often to Conduct Inspections
A pre-purchase termite inspection provides a snapshot of the property’s condition at that moment in time. Termites can enter a structure any time afterward.
For this reason, termite inspections should happen:
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Upon purchase of the home
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Any time there are signs of termites
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On a routine prevention schedule
Many experts recommend annual termite inspections as preventative maintenance. High-risk properties may warrant more frequent checks.
Ongoing inspections allow early detection and lower cost wood-destroying insect treatments. Don’t rely solely on a one-time inspection report when buying a home here.
Why Using a Licensed Professional Matters
In Arizona, termite inspectors must hold a Business License in Structural Pest Control from the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission to operate legally.
There are good reasons to only use licensed professionals:
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Extensive training & testing – Arizona has high standards for pest control licensure that ensures rigorous training and knowledge. Unlicensed operators lack this.
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Background checks – Licensed companies have clean backgrounds vetted by the state to protect consumers.
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Continuing education – Ongoing licensing requires staying up-to-date on the latest termite detection and treatment methods.
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Complaint accountability – Licensed providers face consequences if inspections are inadequate or cause harm. They can lose their license.
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Inspection protocol – Licensed inspectors follow stringent state-mandated procedures and use approved processes.
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State oversight – Licensed companies are monitored and audited by the governing Structural Pest Control Commission.
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Insurance – Licenses require general liability insurance and bonding to cover damages.
Don’t risk property and finances by using amateur inspectors. Look for the state license.
Key Takeaways
Protecting your Phoenix area property investment against termite devastation starts with a professional pre-purchase inspection. A qualified inspector thoroughly checks the entire home and provides an objective report on its structural integrity.
Armed with full visibility of any infestations and risk areas, you can then make informed buying decisions and budget for treatment costs. Ongoing preventative inspections help maximize your property value. Don’t become a termite victim – get inspected!
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