NPMA-33 is widely used for real estate termite reports

Do You Need A WDI Inspection?

A real estate termite report is often required by law for homes that are new purchases or being refinanced. Lenders need to know that the home is worth lending money for, so they will require that an expert perform a home inspection to check for any signs of termite damage or infestation.

In this article, we will cover what termite inspectors look for, why it is important to get a termite inspection before buying or refinancing, and how to prevent termites from infesting your house.

What Do Termite Inspectors Look For?

A termite inspection is typically carried out by a professional exterminator like the technicians at My Pest Pros. We provide inspections throughout the greater Washington D. C. area, including northern Virginia and Maryland. A typical termite home inspection will last about thirty to forty minutes. We will inspect the entire home for signs of termite damage and other wood-destroying insects.

Some of the telltale signs of termites that inspectors look for include broken wings, termite droppings, wood damage, and mud tubes. Every inch of wood in your home will be inspected including baseboards, window frames, cabinets, closet interiors, door frames, crawl spaces, and inside your walls. We also look for damage from carpenter bees and carpenter ants.

Why Is It Important To Get A Termite Inspection Before Buying Or Refinancing Your House?

Termites with wings
Termite swarmers

You probably would not purchase a used car without having a mechanic inspect it first. Why would you buy a home without an inspection?

It is important to get your house inspected for termites first and foremost because it might be the law and/or required by your lending company. They want to know that the structure you intend to buy or are currently living in is safe to inhabit. They also want to make sure it does not have major termite damage that affects the structural integrity.

Aside from these reasons, it is necessary to ensure that your dwelling is structurally sound and that you don’t need major repairs for your home. Termite damage can be extremely costly and extremely dangerous so it’s important to know the status of a house before buying it. Termite damage is estimated to cost more than $5 billion a year in the U.S. The average termite-damaged home costs more than $10,000 to fix.

How Do You Prevent Termites in Your House?

Termites are attracted to excess moisture and, of course, wood. Be sure to eliminate any reason for a termite to infest your house. Repair any leaks or issues that may lead to excess water. Seal up any cracks in the foundation and make sure that any wood siding is at least six inches off the ground. Store firewood away from the home.

As an added layer of protection, have My Pest Pros come out and inspect your property once a year to note any telltale signs of termites around your home. They will also be able to point out any areas that are vulnerable to termite infestation and suggest ways to eliminate the possibility of termites.

The best way to protect your home is with proactive protection. A Sentricon termite system will protect your home against termites 24/7. A Sentricon expert from My Pest Pros will install stations around your home. We inspect the stations regularly and refill the bait as needed. Termites love the Sentricon bait and take it back to the colony.

The Purpose Of The Real Estate Termite Report

Real estate termite inspections are usually necessary before your buy or refinance a house due to requirements of the law or lending companies. My Pest Pros' certified and trained termite inspectors can inspect your home or business to provide the peace of mind you need. We can also provide ongoing termite protection to protect your investment.

To schedule a termite inspection, call us at 703-665-4455.