Do You Know What A Termite Inspector Does?
A termite inspector is a professional with technical knowledge and skills to help you to preserve and protect your home. However, many consumers and homeowners have misconceptions about just who a termite inspector is and how valuable his/her work is in the war against termite infestations.
You should make every attempt to avoid an inspector who is associated with a pest control company as doing so will help to avoid conflicts of interest. You want someone who will give you an honor assessment of whether or not your home is infested and if so, the extent of the problem. You do not want someone who will give you a sales pitch even before it is certain you have a problem.
Not only do these professionals have particular knowledge and skills, they have certain tools and manners which once you become familiar with can assist you in being able to tell whether you are faced with a professional or an amateur, or worst — an impostor. Does this person wear coveralls or a white lab coat or suit and tie? Coveralls might mean the person is really not a professional. At any rate, you should always ask to see the person’s license. In addition, look for some common tools of the trade such as an ice pick or similar tool, a screwdriver, a writing tablet, a flashlight, a temperature gauge and a small hammer.
You should accompany this person on the inspection of your home. Does the inspector walk around your house and observe the foundation and walls for signs of termites such as a cluster of wings, mud tubes, wood powder, and damage to wood? If not, send the person packing. To do an adequate job, the person should crawl underneath your house and inspect support structures very closely for signs of infestation. Your attic and basement, if you have either or both, should also be carefully examined. In other words, you want to make sure that the person does a detailed inspection of your house and yard.
The discovery of infestations is not the only thing such person should be concerned with. You should be told if there are conditions present which might make your home more vulnerable to attack and what you can do to remove such threats.
