FAQ
Contact Us
Site Map

Table of Contents

1. Why should I get a termite inspection?
2. What is a Section 1 finding versus a Section 2 finding?
3. Why test the shower and check the toilet seal?
4. I've never seen termite swarmers in my home, could I still have termites?
5. Are there other wood-destroying organisms to worry about?
6. What does a plumbing leak have to do with termites?

Why should I get a termite inspection?

Inspecting for signs of termites isn't a hit or miss proposition.  Sometimes the signals are impossible for the untrained eye to detect.  And almost always they are in places that are very difficult to reach.

Every inch of the building that comes in contact with the soil, and every inch that is wood, must be checked and scrutinized closely to make sure termites have not entered.  Concrete and masonry floors and walls must be examined for cracks or gaps through which termites could enter.  The entire structure must be inspected for indications of hollowed out, weakened wood, and especially for signs of the termites' tubes through which they can reach wooden structural members.

If your home is up for sale a complete inspection will provide the information you need prior to placing your home on the market.  This early-bird inspection will also reveal situations that you might remedy yourself--rarely, during escrow, will the home-buyer be comfortable with the seller performing these repairs/adjustments.  This also gives you information regarding the cost of the termite clearance which you may or may not need to sell your property.  There is an added benefit in ordering your inspection early--Tri-Pacific will discount the total job cost by 10% if the inspection is performed before escrow.

No one can track the termite's trail better than our skilled inspectors.  Ordering a  thorough inspection from Tri-Pacific is the most intelligent strategy you can use against termite infestation.

Order your inspection: 800-660-9302

Back to Top

What is a Section 1 finding versus a Section 2 finding?

Section 1 is defined as visible, active evidence of infestation (termites, carpenter ants/bees, wood-boring beetles, etc.) or infection (fungus/rot).

Section 2 is defined as conditions present that are likely to lead to infestation or infection (moisture conditions, faulty grade level, earth-to-wood contact, etc.).

These two categories of findings are most relevant during escrow.  Most lenders require that Section 1 findings be remedied before the sale is complete.

Back to Top

Why test the shower and check the toilet seal?

During an inspection, the inspector is not only looking for live evidence of wood-destroying organisms, but also evidence of conditions conducive to infestation or infection.  A leaky shower or toilet creates a moisture problem in surrounding wood members creating a suitable environment for wood-destroying organisms.  The inspector checks these areas to ensure that they are water-tight.

*Please note that if it is necessary to remove the shower door to make the repairs we are required by state law to replace the shower door with safety glass if it does not already exist in the shower.  The replacement of the glass would be an added cost.

Back to Top

I've never seen termite swarmers in my home, could I still have termites?

Possibly this may mean only that you missed seeing the swarm.  Swarming usually lasts less than an hour, and only occurs once or twice a year or they may not swarm at all.  

These pests work from the inside out and are extremely difficult to detect.  Termites are especially difficult because, with the exception of rarely seen swarmers, the other members of the colony spend their entire lives in the wood or in the ground.

Back to Top

Are there other wood-destroying organisms to worry about?

Besides termites, there are many other organisms which can feed on the wood in your home.  Powder-post beetles are second only to termites in the severity of their destruction.  Like termites, they can also do extensive damage before their presence is known.  

Excessive moisture conditions, like plumbing leaks, or damaged toilet seals, will lead to fungus growth and wood rot.  When the humidity level is high in wood members you will find fungus.  If detected early a fungicide can be applied to halt fungus growth.  If the infection is severe it will be necessary to remove and replace the damaged/infected wood members.  In all cases of fungus infection there is an excessive moisture condition that must be eliminated to prevent future fungus growth.

Other wood-destroying organisms include: carpenter ants, and carpenter bees.

Back to Top

What does a plumbing leak have to do with termites?

With a plumbing leak comes excessive moisture conditions.  Wood members with a high moisture content are an ideal habitat for wood-destroying organisms.  Costly fungus  damage in the vicinity of a plumbing leak is very common and for the most part avoidable.  A close examination of these areas by a trained inspector could reveal a leak in its early stages and prevent the high cost of fungus damage repair. 

Back to Top