No homeowner wants to deal with a termite infestation, but if you suspect you have one, you’ll want to know exactly what to do as you await a termite inspection done by a trained professional. Termites can be much more widespread in your home than you can see, so don’t take chances—have a professional inspection done. Before the inspection, you’ll need to do a few things to get ready. Here’s how to prepare your home for a termite extermination inspection in NYC.
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The termite inspector will need to see any termite activity outside the home, and to see where these pests are entering the home. Telltale signs of a termite infestation include damaged wood, mud tubes on the walls, broken wings, droppings, as well as termites moving around.
To give the inspector clear access, you could move items at least 2 to 3 feet away from the foundation and trim back any shrubs or groundcover that conceal any part of the foundation. If your home has exterior access to the basement or crawlspace, you could make sure that the access is clear. You may also want to move any items that block the entryway and trim back any obstructing shrubs.
Related: 9 Signs That You Need Termite Extermination in Suffolk County, NY
Indoors
Termites need moisture to thrive, so they tend to congregate near leaky pipes. For that reason, you could remove anything under the sink in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as laundry room or mudroom sink, to give the inspector access to these areas.
Basements and attics are often prone to water seepage and wet or rotting timbers, which are irresistible to termites. So, you may want to move all items at least 2 to 3 feet away from the walls in the basement, attic, and garage, and ensure clear access to these areas.
You may also want to place any large, bulky, or heavy items such as ladders or heavy boxes on the ground so they don’t accidentally get knocked over—but in general, your termite inspector is well-prepared to move things around in order to get a look at the key spots of your home.
Related: Termite Extermination: What Kind of Damage Do Termites Cause?
The Upside to Being Fully Prepared
While getting ready for a termite inspection can involve a lot of effort, you are aiding the termite inspector in doing a thorough job. The inspector doesn’t need an obstacle course to deal with—and you want peace of mind knowing that every nook and cranny has been inspected.
This can also be an opportunity to check for other problems that could otherwise go unnoticed until they’re big and expensive, such as slightly leaking pipes, water damage, mold, ant or rodent infestations, or even foundation problems. It’s also a chance to declutter and simplify.
At a minimum, it makes sense to look for ways to reduce any clutter or spacing issues so that the terminator inspector can get around easily. While this isn’t a completely necessary step to preparing for the inspection, it could ensure the inspection occurs as quickly and efficiently as possible. And that would mean you can get the whole thing out of the way quickly—and get your life back, termite-free!