Anyone who buys a home, whether they plan to live in it or rent it out, worries about the possibility of hidden problems. Home inspection services are built upon our fear of the unknown and our desire to find out what might go wrong before we commit to a major purchase. One hidden threat that can prove to be an expensive hassle is termites.
Termites are particularly threatening in a rental property, because renters often don’t watch as closely for signs of damage as a homeowner would. By the time a property owner discovers that there are termites, there could be extensive damage. Termites produce thousands of eggs at a time, which means that they create huge colonies that can destroy a home in no time at all.
How do Termites Damage a Home?
Termites feed on cellulose-based plant materials. In terms of your home’s structure, this means that they eat wood. This is a major concern, because termites can eat away at and destroy the wood structural beams that support the home. The extent of the damage that termites can inflict depends upon a variety of factors, including the following:
Size of the termite colony;
Species of the termite colony;
Grade of wood in the structure;
Presence or absence of moisture;
Seasonal changes;
Availability of alternative food sources.
Termites will eat away at the structural support of the home, including the wall studs, posts, subfloors, ceiling supports, and floor supports. This can cause your floors or ceilings to collapse. Clearly, this is a serious problem; a collapse can injure the occupants of the home in addition to destroying the structure.
Termites are known for eating wood, but they eat other types of cellulose-based plant materials, as well. This can include furniture, carpeting, drywall, and even money.
Signs of Termite Infestations
As a landlord, the most important thing you can know about termites is how to spot signs of an infestation so that you can get rid of it before it spreads. Here are some common signs of termites that you should be on the lookout for:
Hollow-sounding wood (try knocking on it);
Crumbling wood;
Peeling or bubbling paint;
Tiny holes in drywall;
Sagging floors;
Sagging or discolored ceilings;
Droppings and wings.
Avoiding Termites
Always require a termite inspection before you purchase a property. If termites are found, the seller should be required to have the termites eradicated at their own cost before you close the sale.
After you have purchased a property, you should have it inspected yearly for termites so that you are aware of any problems before they have time to grow into bigger problems.
In the meantime, there are a few steps that you can take to avoid getting termites. Don’t store firewood or lumber near the house, and don’t allow standing water to accumulate on the property. You can also cover outside vents and windows with screens.
Getting Rid of Termites
If you do find that you have termites, you should call in a professional exterminator right away. An exterminator will place bait stations throughout the property that will eliminate the termites. There are DIY options on the market, but they are not reliable for eradicating a termite population. In this situation, it is best to leave the work to the professionals so that you can trust that the termites have been completely removed.
McMath Realty provides property management services to landlords in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and surrounding area. We will take care of all the day-to-day responsibilities of being a landlord, from screening tenants to performing maintenance to collecting the rent.
Contact McMath Realty to learn more today https://mcmathrealty.com//contact.php.