Why Termite Inspections Are Important
Termite inspections are vital because termite damage or activity is often hidden from view. Termites work from the inside out; what appears to be a solid piece of wood may actually be riddled with tunnels and close to collapsing. While termites play a helpful role in nature when feeding on dead trees, their presence in your home can cause serious structural damage.
Since most termite damage occurs out of sight and termites rarely venture into the open, many homeowners are unfamiliar with the signs of termite activity. Common signs include:
- Mud tubes along walls or foundations
- Frass (termite droppings that resemble sawdust)
- Tiny holes in exposed wood
- Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper
- Sagging ceilings or buckling floors
- Sticky or difficult-to-close doors and windows
Early signs are often subtle. If you notice apparent damage, it likely means the infestation is well established—and significant damage may already have occurred. Routine termite inspections enable you to detect problems early, allowing you to address them before the infestation grows worse.
When You Should Get a Termite Inspection
There’s no bad time for a termite inspection; they can be performed year-round. Harbor Pest Control recommends annual inspections to provide you with peace of mind and ensure any termite activity is identified quickly.
A termite inspection is especially important when buying a home. Most standard home inspections do not include termite checks, and discovering termite damage after closing can lead to costly repairs. A professional termite inspection ensures you don’t face unexpected expenses after your purchase.
Who Should Perform Your Termite Inspection
The experts at Harbor Pest Control have conducted countless termite inspections across the San Diego area. With over 75 years of experience, we know exactly what to look for—whether identifying active termite colonies, detecting prior damage, or determining the termite species involved.
Both subterranean termites and drywood termites infest homes in San Diego, and each requires a distinct treatment approach. Accurate species identification is essential for effective control.
How Harbor Pest Control Addresses Termite Problems
After your termite inspection, we’ll recommend the best course of action based on the findings:
- No termite activity or damage detected: We may recommend annual inspections or preventative protection against subterranean termites using our liquid Termidor® HP treatments.
- Subterranean termites detected: We recommend Termidor® HP treatment, which creates an invisible barrier around your home. When termites cross it, they carry the treatment back to their colony, eliminating the infestation.
- Drywood termites detected: Treatment options depend on the infestation size and location, ranging from localized spot treatments to whole-home fumigation or preventative Borate applications.
Qualified homes may also be eligible for termite re-treatment warranties, which we’ll review with you when discussing your options.
Contact the Termite Experts at Harbor Pest Control
For termite inspections and treatments, call the trusted experts at Harbor Pest Control today. Staying up-to-date on termite inspections helps protect your home from structural damage and costly repairs.
Experience why Harbor Pest Control is one of the most reliable and effective termite control providers in the greater San Diego area. We prioritize customer satisfaction and take pride in our long list of loyal clients. Get in touch today to schedule your termite inspection.
This blog was originally published on March 1, 2017; it has been updated to include new information.
