Why get a pest report?

So many new buyers ask me why they need a pest report. It's simple: Houses are made from wood and pests like to eat wood. An infestation can be found anywhere there is wood bearing structures inside or outside including window sills, door jams, crawl spaces and attics.




      Below are some telltale signs of termite infestation:

• If you find a pile of what appears to be insect wings you might have a termite colony nearby. Termites shed their wings once they colonize and can often be mistaken for flying ants. 
• However, the most obvious sign of termites are termite mud tubes. Termites will often create tubes or tunnels so they can move around and you can typically find these where your home meets the soil.
• Another sign is mud build-up around the exterior of your home. Just look around and see if there are small mud piles forming.
• Wood that falls apart, flake, or turns to dust can be a sign of termites. You can tap on your wood to see if it sounds hollow and if it does, this could indicate termites.
  
  These are all signs that you need to a termite inspection. It's important to do your due diligence before buying. And if you are selling, why not obtain a report so you can minmize any surprises during escrow. A pest reports starts anywhere from $275 and can go up to $900 depending on the size of the home.

written by Gina Odom