• Termites cause more damage than tornadoes, hail storms, wind storms, and hurricanes in the United States combined.
• Termites cost Americans more than $1 billion each year.
• You can buy insurance for many sources of home damage, but not for termites.
• Termites have been around for more than 240 million years. They adapt to ever changing environments. Termites are natures way to break down wood and return it to the soil.
• Termites can not determine the difference between the wood in the forest where your home was built and the wood members of your home.
• Termites can infest almost every part of your home.
• Termites can enter your home through a crack or opening as thick as a piece of paper.
• Termites never stop working and eating. They work 24 hours a day.
• Termite colonies can average more than a million termites.

• We recommend that you have your home checked for termites once each year, before buying a home, and prior to selling a home. Beware, some pest control companies do not charge for this service, however, they often send a commissioned salesperson to your home on a mission to sell you a termite treatment.We are trained to look for signs of termite infestations as well as suggest preventive maintenance ideas. Our inspectors are licensed by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board as well as the Texas Real Estate Commission
• Avoid wood to ground contact such as wood siding (6 inches minimum clearance between wood siding and the soil).
• Wood decking built on the soil surface or wood members in contact with the soil should be treated.
• Excessive moisture under or adjacent to the structure. AC condensate drain line draining next to the foundation or poor surface drainage. AC condensate drain line should drain at least 5 feet from the foundation. I have installed a hose connection on the end of my AC condensate drain line and screwed a garden hose to it. I use the condensate drainage to water some of my trees and shrubs. Poor surface drainage should be improved. I suggest the advice of a professional in this area due to the possibility of causing foundation and or drainage problems.
• Foliage growing next to and/or on the structure (Vines and shrubs are common problems) should be trimmed back and away from or off the structure.
• Wood pile adjacent to the structure should be removed.
• Wood fence in contact with the structure should have at least 6 inches of clearance or be treated.
• Wood used in and over foundation expansion joints should be removed and the joints treated.
• Tree branches contacting the structure should be cut back at least 5 feet from the structure.
• Wood form boards left in place around the foundation should be removed or treated.

Real Estate Transaction’s

For purposes of a real estate transaction, Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection there must be visible evidence of active infestation in the structure or visible evidence of a previous infestation in the structure with no evidence of prior treatment to recommend a corrective treatment. Conditions that are conducive to wood destroying insect infestations should be identified. These conducive conditions should be corrected mechanically or chemically. Preventative treatments may be recommended when conducive conditions exist.

Corrective Treatment: Treatment intended to correct existing conditions to reduce or eliminate the possibility of WDI within a structure.

Preventive Treatment: Treatment intended to hinder or help prevent WDI infestation within a structure.

Inspection Report

The purpose of the inspection is to provide a report regarding the absence or presence of Wood Destroying Insects (WDI). The inspection should provide the basis for recommendations of preventive or remedial actions to minimize economic losses. Inspection reports issued in connection with a real estate transaction shall be made on a form (SPCB\T-2) prescribed and officially adopted by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board.

Upon completion of a WDI inspection, the inspector is required post a durable sign. The name and address of the licensee, the date of the inspection, and a statement that the notice should not be removed is required to be posted adjacent to the hot water heater or electric breaker box or beneath the kitchen sink

Areas Inspected

Many inspections are made when a structureEAS INSPECTED is occupied, limiting the inspection to accessible areas that can be easily seen when walking through the room at the time of the inspection.

Inspectors are not required to move furniture, posters, pictures, paintings, appliances, carpets, throw rugs, plants, insulation, stored items, etc. The best time to inspect is when the structure is vacant and clean.

When a person is buying a home any area(s) that was inaccessible at the time of the inspection should be viewed by the client(s) at the time of the final walk-through (just before closing) and if any questionable areas are noted the inspection company should be notified and arrangements made for a follow-up inspection. Do not wait until after the sale is closed for any follow up inspections or questions. Treatment costs come out of your pocket after you own your new home.

The inspector and/or company is not responsible for repairs to damage disclosed, in addition, hidden damage may exist in concealed or inaccessible areas. WDI damages disclosed at the time of inspection do not represent the entirety of the damages which may exist. WDI reports are written based on a visual inspection. No guarantee is made as to the absence of wood-destroying insects and/or damage due to the inaccessible and concealed areas within a structure.

Previous Treatment

Without positive information from the seller, an opinion regarding previous treatment is limited. If certain treatment signs are seen it may be assumed that the structure has been treated, but no judgments as to the quality or thoroughness of the treatment can be given due to the lack of information provided to the inspector. If a structure was treated and the warranty has lapsed, the structure should be put back under warranty for your own protection.

Conductive Conditions

Conducive conditions are conditions that increase the possibility of termite infestation and should be corrected when possible and closely monitored. Correction of standard or typical conducive conditions is not necessarily required by this report and such information is simply presented as added information.

If the report says there is no visible evidence of wood destroying insects, does it mean the structure is termite free?

NO. A visual WDI inspection is limited to what can be seen at the time of the inspection. It is possible for WDI to be active in areas that are not visible to the eye such as inside construction voids, walls, behind paneling and/or baseboards, behind or under stored items, carpets and furniture.

Does a “clear” report guarantee against WDI?

NO. A “clear” report means only that no visible evidence of WDI was noted at the time of the inspection.

Since my house has been “cleared” does this mean that my house won’t get termites?

NO. Any structure in this area is subject to infestation from WDI at any time.

If my house has been treated does it mean that my house is termite proof?

NO. There are several conditions that could occur at any time that would make your house susceptible to re-infestation. If the treatment guarantee is in force at the time you purchase your home, serious consideration should be given to keep the guarantee in force.

If WDI are found on my property does it mean that sooner or later they will attack my home?

NO. If you look hard enough, WDI can be found somewhere on any piece of property in the San Antonio area. This itself does not mean your home will be invaded, however, it does increase the possibility.

This information was compiled by Adams Termite & Pest Control located in San Antonio, Texas

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