Termites cause significant damage to homes across Australia every year. Every home in Australia should protect itself from this little insect that can cause significant damage. According to the latest estimates, about one in five Australian homes is invaded every year.
Within 12 months of attacking a home, there can be irreparable structural damage. And regardless of the damage caused, termite-associated costs aren’t covered by an insurance policy.
Therefore it is important to know how to check for termites when buying a home. In this article, we will discuss this and what steps you can take.
Have a Termite Inspection Before Buying a House
When it comes to buying a home in Australia, checking for past (or current) termite activity is essential. One of the best options is to get a professional Termite Inspection. These will check that you aren’t buying a house with termites in yard locations or in the house. The professional will check for signs of activity and damage.
If it is determined that you are buying a house with termite damage, then you need to consider your options. It can be a costly repair. You might need to ask the current owners to get the termite damage repaired or you might need to revise your offer to ensure that there are funds to repair the damage.
Should You Buy a Home with Current Termite Activity or Evidence of Past Termite Damage?
If there is current activity, there are some things to consider. How far the infestation has come and what the damage is are two considerations. In addition, there are considerations such as the price to rid the home of termites and repair any damage.
If you are buying a house with a termite history, then you might be justifiably worried. You need to find out what was done to the home to reduce termite activity and what repairs were made. Consult your legal representation to see what your options are.
Might I Perform a Self-Inspection for Termites?
Many people want to know how to check for termites when buying a house because they want to complete a self-inspection. However, this isn’t always a great idea. It can cause specific issues. Those who are performing professional termite inspections are experts in their fields and can spot the smallest signs of termite activity, which the average person can’t.
So unless you are an expert in termite damage and behaviour, you should leave the process to someone who is an expert.
Get a Specialised Pest Inspection for Your Own Good
That is why it is important that when you are buying a house in Australia that you get a specialised pest inspection. Not only can they help you to determine whether you’re buying a house with termite damage, but they can also spot other pests that might have entered the home.
For example, termites can sometimes bring in predators from outside. Or you might not have termites but have possums, mice, rats, or other insects residing in your home.
And after you’ve bought a home, it is highly recommended that you have a yearly or six-monthly check for new signs of pests entering the home. Catching the infestations early can help you to stop major damage from happening further on. It can take just 12 months for the home to be irreparably damaged.
Explore Options for Addressing Termite Damage Repairs
If you’ve found termites after buying a house anywhere in Australia, you need to consider your options very carefully. There are lots of options for you. You first need to remove the termites. And this can only really be done by killing the queen.
Without the queen, the nest will perish. Therefore, using Envirobugs Termite solutions allows you to target her and ensure that she is killed quickly.
Then you need to find ways to make your home less of an enticing habitat for termites. This might mean that you ensure there is nowhere for the queen to nest. However, this can be hard, which is why it is always best to do regular checks for termites and other beasts.
And you should always assess the damage caused by the termite and repair it as soon as possible. Termites cause significant damage that can harm the structural stability of your home as well as the value of the property.
Conclusion
Termites are a pain. They can cause significant damage to the home and they are such a large problem for Australian homes that one in five will report significant damage every year. The best solution is to remove termite infestations early. This can be done by killing the queen termite early. However, after finding a termite infestation, you do need to ensure that the house is stable.
FAQ:
Should I buy a house with signs of termites?
In some cases, the house might be sound, especially if the termites have been caught early enough. However, if there has been a long-standing termite issue, then you might need to reassess the price for the house or whether to purchase the house at all.
How do you determine if you have termites in your house?
The best option is to seek professional help with finding termites in your home. A professional pest controller can help you determine whether there are termites in the home, what other pests might be in the home, and what damage has been caused.
Should I buy a house with a history of termites?
Many homes in Australia have at some point been infested with termites. Therefore, it is important to see whether the home is currently infested with termites, or whether there is any damage resulting from an infestation. This might affect your decision, or it might mean you reduce your offer.
Should termites stop you from buying a house?
If you are looking to buy a house with termites, then you should think carefully. Getting rid of the termites is important and the sooner this is done, the less damage there is to the home. The problem is, 20% of homes have termites in them. So if the house you’re buying doesn’t one of the neighbours does.
Should I buy a house with high termite risk?
Most homes are at high risk of a termite infestation. You should consider how to provide an area that is not good for termites rather than consider not buying a home because there is a large risk of termites nearby.
