Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Tips for Home Buyers

Termites, or white ants, can cause serious problems for property owners in Darwin, Palmerston, and all across the Top End. Nationwide, termites account for approximately $1.5 billion in damage per year to about 130,000 homes. Furthermore, some species bite and sting humans when threatened. Their bites cause more immediate pain than lasting damage. However, the debris and waste termites leave behind as they consume your home can cause allergic and other uncomfortable health reactions.

Warning Signs Professionals Want You to Know

Termites, despite their best efforts, can leave evidence of their presence. Be sure to check:

• Spider webs, which will often snag stray termites because both species prefer the same dark and secluded areas.
• For drinking straw sized mud tunnels that lead straight up the walls.
• Mud or crusted dirt in minuscule cracks in drywall or other areas also can indicate termite presence.

When you notice these signs, don't assume you have grasped the full extent of the problem. If you have already purchased your home, you will need a full inspection and treatment regimen to protect your home. A quality pest control service technician will also discuss ways to prevent further infestation once they complete the treatment.

Protecting Your Interest Through Inspection

In some states, the Consumer Protection authorities strongly advise that the contract contain a White Ant Certificate clause in the Offer and Acceptance form. This document certifies that the inspector found no evidence of either a current or a past infestation.

The secretive nature of termites requires a systematic and professional approach to inspection. A thorough inspection could take between 30 minutes and an hour or more, depending on the size and complexity of the structure. The technician inspects every visible interior space and also basements, attics, crawl spaces, or any other normally unseen area of the home.

They will also assess the landscape for potential dangers, such as mulch or plant life that grows all the way to the home's exterior, and wood foundations touching the ground.

What If an Inspection Reveals an Infestation, But You Still Want the House?

First, understand that termite inspections don't normally occur under the general home inspection for real estate transactions. You must request a termite inspection separately. Next, get a detailed estimate so that you have the full cost of both infestation elimination and structural repair. Buyers can use this as leverage to either convince the seller to fix the problem or to drop the price enough to allow for inspection and repair.

If the seller wants to take care of the issue before your purchase, you should insist on helping to choose a quality pest control service. If not, the seller’s incentive lies in picking the least expensive, not necessarily the best.

When you move into your new home, you expect structural soundness and no threats to your health. However, you can't leave these necessities to chance or the seller's good nature. Protect yourself during the purchase by requiring a termite inspection from a well-regarded pest control service.

Image credit: CSIRO