Termites are among the most destructive pests in the world. These tiny insects are responsible for causing more than $5 billion in damage each year in the United States alone.
Thanks to the climate, moisture, and wooded areas, Phoenixville is among the many parts of the country that have to deal with them.
Homeowners in the area should understand the risks termites pose and what a comprehensive Phoenixville termite inspection includes. The following information outlines both so you can take the appropriate steps to protect your property.
Common Termite Species Found in Southeastern Pennsylvania
There are multiple termite species found in the Phoenixville area. The two most common types of termites homeowners will deal with are Subterranean termites and Drywood termites.
Of these two, the former is the most prominent threat, but it’s not uncommon to see Drywood termites in rural areas.
Subterranean Termites
These are the most common types of termites found in Pennsylvania. They build underground colonies and make mud tubes to reach wood.
Because they prefer moist soil, homes near the Schuylkill River are prime targets. You can identify these termites by their ant-like appearance and creamy or brown colors.
Drywood Termites (Less Common but Possible)
These termites are not native to Pennsylvania. However, they can infest your home by hiding in furniture and shipping materials delivered to it.
Unlike subterranean termites, which dwell underground and travel through mud tubes, these insects live almost exclusively in wood.
Signs You Might Need a Termite Inspection
Termites are a very real threat that needs to be taken seriously. If you spot the following signs in your home, you should schedule a pest inspection right away:
- Mud tubes along the foundation or crawl space
- Soft, blistered, or hollow-sounding wood
- Termite swarmers (winged insects) inside or outside
- Discarded wings on windowsills
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Droppings resembling sawdust (more common with drywood termites)
- Tight-fitting doors or hard-to-open windows
Homeowners may be tempted to take matters into their hands and conduct their own inspection. Unfortunately, termite damage is often hidden and hard to find without the proper tools or experience.
That is why it’s always best to work with a professional to inspect and monitor termite activity.
What Happens During a Professional Termite Inspection
A termite inspection is a process in which a trained professional will thoroughly check your home for termites and associated damage. They’ll search key areas for things like mud tubes, bubbling paint, discarded wings, damaged and blistering wood, and the insects themselves.
What Inspectors Look For Around the Home
During a termite inspection, a pest control specialist is looking for anything that can indicate the presence of termites. The specifics of which can vary depending on where they are in your home.
Foundation and Crawl Spaces
Subterranean termites live underground and typically enter a home through the foundation. In this area, an inspector will look for the following:
- Cracks in concrete
- Mud tubes along walls
- High-moisture areas
- Wood-to-soil contact
Wooden Structures and Trim
The wood around your home is what attracts termites. As they feed on it, they will leave behind signs of their activity, such as hollowed-out wood and peeling paint.
Termite pest control specialists will inspect the following for damage:
- Support beams
- Window and door frames
- Baseboards
- Structural joists
- Deck posts and porches
Basements and Attics
Homes in Chester County, Pennsylvania, have basements prone to moisture. This environment is very attractive to termites. Here, inspectors will look for the following:
- Wood rot
- Soft or sagging boards
- Moisture seepage
- Mud tubes along support beams
Exterior Soil and Landscaping
During a visit, the inspector will check the exterior of the property as well. They’re looking for things that can lead termites to your home, like bread crumbs.
The following can all provide hints as to how they may make their way in:
- Mulch depth
- Wood piles
- Downspouts and drainage
- Landscaping near the foundation
- Moisture around the home
Tools and Techniques Inspectors Use
Pest control specialists rely on more than training and experience to find termites. Their tool bags include special equipment that makes it easier to locate these pests.
During an inspection, they’re likely to use these items:
Moisture Meters
Termites thrive in moist areas. A moisture meter is a tool used to read moisture levels to help inspectors identify high-risk areas.
Infrared Scanners
Infrared scanners are used to identify temperature changes on various surfaces. These can help inspectors identify key target areas that may otherwise go undetected.
Probing and Visual Checks
Inspectors will also use simple tools and techniques to get the job done. During their visit, they will likely use items like screwdrivers and flashlights to take a closer look at the following:
- Hollow spots in wood
- Bubbling or soft finishes
- Visible tunnels or galleries
How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
Most termite inspections take 45 minutes to two full hours. The specifics of your home and property will directly determine the duration.
While specialists can breeze through average homes with full basements, those with crawl spaces and particularly large living areas can take much longer.
Next Steps Once Termites Are Found
If termites are found in your home, the pest control service you’re working with will help you come up with a treatment plan. The right steps will be based on your specific property and extent of your infestation.
Some of the most common treatment methods used to eliminate termites include:
- Liquid soil treatments
- Baiting systems
- Wood treatments and foams
- Moisture control recommendations
- Structural repairs for damaged wood
How Often Should I Get a Termite Inspection in Phoenixville
Most pest control specialists recommend scheduling annual termite inspections. This is a great goal for Phoenixville homeowners to work towards because termites naturally thrive in the area. It’s also essential to schedule an inspection when buying or selling a home to keep all parties informed.
Beyond inspections and treatment, continuous monitoring is essential to ensuring termites don’t return, which is an all too common problem in Phoenixville.
FAQs
How much does a termite inspection typically cost?
Termite inspections typically go for around $150 in the Phoenixville area. The size of the property and the service selected directly impact how much you will pay.
Do I need a termite inspection before buying or selling a house?
Yes. Most lenders require it to ensure a home is free of structural damage. It’s also just smart to do so to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Can termites cause damage before I notice any signs?
Yes. Termites feed in hard-to-see areas, and they often go unnoticed until the damage is extensive.
Are annual termite inspections necessary?
Yes. Even if you don’t see activity, annual inspections help detect early signs of infestation and prevent costly structural damage.
How long does a termite inspection take?
Most inspections take between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on the home’s size, foundation type, and accessibility of crawl spaces or basements.
What happens if termites are found during the inspection?
Your inspector will document all evidence of activity, identify the species, outline affected areas, and provide treatment recommendations based on the severity and location of the infestation.
Can I perform my own termite inspection?
Homeowners can look for surface-level signs, but professional inspectors have the tools, training, and experience to detect hidden activity that is easy to miss without specialized knowledge.
