| WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WOOD DESTROYING INSECT REPORTS
WHY INSPECT?
Every year thousands of homes are attacked by termites or other wood destroying pests.
Home purchasers need to know if these pests are present before investing their money.
Therefore it is wise to have the property inspected by a qualified pest control company
who can detect the presence of wood destroying pests and can provide a report on their
findings.
WHO ORDERS AN INSPECTION?
A pest control firm may be selected by the seller, his agent, lending institution, or
buyer, depending on the state’s real estate laws or established practice. As a
purchaser, you should be advised as to which company is doing the inspection and in some
cases as a buyer, you can make the selection. The Contract of Sale adopted by the
Gloucester/Salem Counties Board of REALTORS® specifies the Buyer shall select the pest
control firm.
WHAT DOES THE INSPECTION ENTAIL?
The pest control firm will perform the inspection, inspecting all visible areas of the
structure, which are readily accessible to them. If the inspector finds evidence of an
infestation they report the evidences on a specified form. An inspection may include
sounding or probing areas where infestations are suspected. The inspector cannot see
behind walls, paneling, into voids of cinder block walls or under carpeting. Infestations
here may remain undetected.
IS THE REPORT FOR TERMITES ONLY?
No. The Subterranean termite is the number one wood destroying pest in the Unites
States; hence, its name is often attached to the so-called "Termite Report".
There are other wood destroying insects that may also be included in the report, such as:
- BEETLES (1) powder post beetles - small beetles whose larvae feed in
hardwood such as oak,
- BEETLES (2) anobiid beetles - small beetles whose larvae feed in
softwood such as pine, and
- BEETLES (3) old house borers - rather large beetles who larvae feed in
softwood timbers.
- CARPENTER ANTS -- Usually evident when moisture problems are prevalent.
In some areas, the report may include wood rot -- this is caused by a combination of
moisture and fungal growth and can be very destructive.
On FHA and VA inspections, conditions conducive to insect infestation may also be noted
such as earth wood contact, faulty grading, lack of down spouts, and standing water.
DOES A CLEARANCE OR TERMITE REPORT GUARANTEE THERE IS NO INFESTATION?
The report gives the findings of a trained inspector who searched for visual evidence
of these pests in the readily accessible areas of the structure. It states that wood
destroying pests were or were not found by the inspector in these visible areas. The
possibility that an infestation may be hidden inside a wall void or beam is present.
Obtaining a warranty is recommended, so if something is missed or a new infestation occurs
a treatment would be performed at no charge.
WHAT IF EVIDENCE OF AN INFESTATION IS FOUND?
The company will recommend and usually propose appropriate treatment to control the
pest. For termites, a treatment is usually warranted for a year, meaning if an infestation
is found while the warranty is in effect, the company will retreat at no charge to you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF DAMAGE CREATED BY THESE PESTS IS OBSERVED?
"Damage" is an alarming term. It may be superficial or quite extensive.
Damage is evidence of infestation but evidence may or may not include damage. Some
companies make estimates on the repair of the damage if they feel it is necessary.
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