Termite Inspection FAQs
- What will a termite inspection cost?
- What's involved in a termite inspection?
- How often should a termite inspection be done?
- Does a termite inspection cover more than termites?
- Could there be hidden termite damage?
- Will a termite inspection find all the active termites?
- Contact Russ to schedule an inspection
Q: What will a termite inspection cost?
A: The cost of an inspection varies depending on the size and complexity of
the structure. However, the fee is usually small. Keep in mind that even if termites
aren’t present, your money wasn’t wasted. You’ve purchased peace of mind.
Q: What’s involved in a termite inspection?
A: A professional termite inspector performs a complete visual
inspection of the readily accessible areas of a structure for evidence of
both wood-destroying insects and wood-destroying organisms. The inspector will
visually inspect the entire interior of a structure including attic and crawlspace, plus the
exterior of the structure. The inspection also includes other freestanding
structures such as garages, docks and fencing that attach to the house
or screened pool areas. Upon completion, the results of the inspection are
recorded on DACS form #13645.
On average, a thorough termite inspection takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size, complexity and conditions (e.g. clutter; storage of personal items, etc.) of the structure and property.
Although the inspection is commonly called a “termite” inspection, the professional inspector is also looking for all wood-destroying insects, including several kinds of termites and beetles. The inspector is also looking for ants, bugs and fungus. Inspectors routinely look in the attic area as well for evidence of termites.
Q: How often should a termite inspection be done? A: Due to the high termite pressure for the whole state of Florida, an annual inspection is best. Maintaining a professional relationship with a termite specialist like Russ is wise.
Q:
Does a termite inspection cover more than termites?
A: The state of Florida limits the scope of inspections to termites, carpenter
bees, and re-infesting wood-boring beetles. In Florida, carpenter ants are excluded because
Florida carpenter ants don’t infest (eat) new wood. They only nest in old, rotten, or damaged wood.
Q:
Could there be hidden termite damage?
A: Yes. One of the main characteristics of termites and termite
colonies is their tendency to avoid open air and bright lights. They will stay
underground or inside the wood. It is
almost impossible for an inspector to visually identify or locate an
active termite infestation just by looking at the outside surface of a wall or
the trim.
Q:
Will a termite inspection find all the active termites?
A: It isn’t possible for an inspection to provide absolute
certainty unless termites are found. There will usually be areas of a
structure that cannot be evaluated due to inaccessibility for one reason
or another. If you live in a high risk area (like Florida!),
preventative treatment may be an important option even if no termites
are found.
Contact Russ at 813-727-4758 to schedule an inspection.
Florida Bug Inspectors offers termite inspections in Tampa, Brandon, Temple Terrace, Riverview, Plant City, Ruskin, St Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Wesley Chapel.
