People request termite inspections for various reasons: when they know they have a termite problem, when they think they might have a termite problem, or just to make sure they don’t have a termite problem.

At Colonial, we have specially trained termite inspectors who know what to look for and where to look. We are certified and licensed to perform professional termite inspections in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We also work closely with mortgage lenders, the housing industry, and local realtors to conduct termite inspections that are required for real estate transactions.

A real estate “home inspection” is not the same thing as a termite inspection and most home inspectors are not trained or licensed to identify termite problems. The official termite inspection report for a real estate transaction must be provided by a pest control professional licensed by the state to do termite inspections. A professional termite inspector knows where to look for evidence of termites and is trained to recognize termite damage and other signs of a termite infestation.

When is a Termite Inspection Required? – Neither Massachusetts nor New Hampshire require a termite inspection before the sale of property. However, VA (Veterans Administration) mortgage lenders do require a termite inspection. Conventional or FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans may, or may not, require a termite inspection. Even when a pre-sale termite inspection is not required, it is strongly recommended. Either the buyer, the seller, or the lending institution can request or require a termite inspection. The licensed termite inspector is accountable to all parties, no matter who orders the inspection.

If you’re buying a home, the cost of a professional termite inspection is small compared to the cost of repairing major termite damage after you’ve purchased a termite-infested home. Discovering the problem before closure through a termite inspection can save you thousands in repair costs, or can allow you to negotiate the sale or cancel the contract.

If you’re selling your home, it makes sense to have a termite inspection done before you have interested buyers. Showing prospective buyers evidence of a recent negative termite inspection can certainly help to seal the deal. If, on the other hand, the inspector finds termites, you will have time to eliminate the colony and make repairs before the home goes up for sale. Both VA and FHA financing require treatment if an inspection finds evidence of active termites.

Powder Post Beetle emergence holes.

What Happens During the Termite Inspection? Although it’s often called a termite report, the inspector is looking for visible evidence of other wood-damaging pests as well. Our inspector will check certain areas of the property, inside and out, usually including the attic and crawlspace. He will be looking for live or dead insects, evidence of insect infestation like mud tubes, holes in wood, nest material, wood staining and wood damage. He will also be looking for any evidence of a recent termite treatment.

A real estate termite inspection is mostly visual in nature; the inspector will not be opening walls or digging in the crawlspace. The termite inspector is not required to check areas that are blocked or that he cannot access such as very shallow crawlspaces, areas behind kitchen cabinets, or beneath wall coverings, or areas blocked by clutter or furniture. These inaccessible areas will be noted on the inspection form.

The termite inspector will provide the person who ordered the inspection with his findings in writing. That report is officially called a Wood-destroying Insect Inspection Report. It may be referred to in various ways by realtors or VA or FHA mortgage lenders as a “Termite Letter,” a “Wood Pest Report,” or a “Clearance Letter.” Your report from your Colonial inspector will point out whether or not any visible evidence of wood-destroying insects was observed, and make recommendations as to whether treatment is necessary.

If you’re buying or selling a home, or if you simply want a professional and thorough termite inspection, give Colonial a call.

We have been customers of Colonial Pest for years and have always received very good service; this was no exception. Thank you.

Marie V.