VA Pest Inspection NPMA-33

Subterranean termites in Michigan are the most damaging insects of wood. Their presence is hard to notice, and damage usually is found before the termites are seen. Prevent Pest infestations because if they occur, they will almost always need a professional VA pest inspection.

Generally, the first sign of pest infestation is the presence of swarming termites on the window or near indoor light. If they are found inside the house, it almost always means that they have infested. Other signs that may be found are termite wings on window sills or in cobwebs, and shelter tubes, which are tunnels constructed by the termites from soil or wood and debris. Usually, wood damage is not found at first, but when it is found, it definitely reveals a termite infestation. Anywhere wood touches soil is a possible entry into a home for termites. Examine wood which sounds dull or hollow when struck by a screwdriver or hammer. Inspect suspected areas with a sharp, pointed tool, such as an ice pick, to find termite galleries or their damage. If you suspect infestation call for a VA Pest Inspection.

Your NPMA-33 VA Pest Inspection checks the foundation of the house, garage and other buildings for shelter tubes coming from the soil. Checks around porches, connecting patios, sidewalks, areas near kitchens and bathrooms, and hard-to-see places. Checks window and door frames, and where utility services enter the house for termite pest infestation or wood decay. Also, looks behind shrubbery and plants near walls and areas where earth and wood meet, such as fences, stair carriages and trellises. Check any exterior electrical meter or fuse box set into the wall, a common point of pest infestation.

 VA Pest inspection includes checking all doors, window facings, baseboards, and hardwood flooring. Discoloration or stains on walls or ceilings may mean that water is leaking and can decay wood, and this can aid termite infestation. Inspects where plumbing and utility pipes enter the foundation and flooring. Also, examines the attic for shelter tubes, water leakage, and wood damage.   

 The most important thing to do is to deny termites access to food (wood), moisture and shelter. Your VA Pest Inspector recommends the following prevention steps: 

•  contact Innovative Home Inspection for your VA Pest Inspection; 
• have at least a 2-inch clearance between the house and planter boxes, or soil-filled porches;  
• eliminate all wood-to-soil contact, such, fence posts, stair casings and door facings (they can be put on masonry blocks or on treated wood);
• separate shrubbery from the house to help make it easier for pest inspector to access the foundation line;
• use wolmanized wood (pressure-treated wood) so that rain will not rot it;
• seal openings through the foundation;
• remove wood scraps and stumps from around the foundation;
• do not store fire wood in garage or next to structure;
• remove all wood debris from crawlspace and away from structure;
• have at least 12 to 18 inches of clearance between floor beams and the soil underneath.