Many Suffolk County homebuyers fear the presence of termites in potential new homes – and rightly so. Termites can cause significant damage that you often can’t see until it’s too late, so it’s important to know whether a property shows signs of these destructive pests. But just how can you know whether the property has termites or termite damage? Let our team at Inspecticore give you a few tips.

Learn to Recognize Termites

Unless you’re an insect expert, it’s easy to confuse termites with other winged pests such as flying ants. However, termites have a few differentiating features, like straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a uniform waist. Do a little research online for what type of termites are common in your area, and check out the images so you know exactly what to look for.

Know the Signs of an Infestation

While it’s good to know what the actual insect looks like, you’re more likely to see signs of them rather than the termite itself. (However, if you do see them, you can assume you have termite issues!) If you don’t see them, look for mud tubes found on the home’s exterior, as well as on the supports, floor joists, and so on. These tubes are often a sure sign that termites have taken up residence in your home.

Get a Termite Inspection

Because termite activity is fairly prevalent on Long Island, we recommend being certain and thus getting a professional termite inspection. Our team inspects for obvious signs of termites, and we go the extra mile to assess the foundation and walls for tunnels or weak points. Termite inspection documentation is then provided to you on a NPMA-33 form. This report typically includes termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powder post beetles.

To ask about termites or to schedule a termite inspection, contact the Inspecticore team at (516) 524-0673. We’ll be glad to do a termite inspection as a specialty inspection or in addition to your whole home inspection. Either way, we’ll help you tackle termites head on!