Types of Termites in Utah

In the United States, Termite infestation accounts for more damage to residential homes every year than Fire, Flood and Windstorm combined. The most common type of termites in Utah is the Subterranean Termite, which, as the name suggests, lives in the soil and excavates tunnels which it constructs to help colony members travel to food sources. Any wood to soil contact provides “conducive conditions” for Subterranean Termites to attack and Subterranean Termites can also enter the structure through a crack or seam or other opening as small as 1/32 of an inch.

Drywood Termites are occasionally found in parts of Southern Utah. Typically, Drywood Termites nest in cavities inside the home, including in attics, cupboards, or in open spaces between walls. Due to their nature and habits, treatment methods for Drywood Termites is fundamentally different than the methods used to eradicate Subterranean Termites. In many cases, total fumigation of the structure is required. This means that the home will actually be tented and fumigated. Of course, during such treatment, people and pets must vacate the premises for one or more days to allow the fumigant to ventilate after treatment.

Utah Termite Inspectors, LLC is the only company in the State of Utah which specializes exclusively in Termite and Wood-Destroying Insect inspections. Specializing in Termite Inspections allows us to be fast, affordable and uncompromisingly honest in providing termite inspections and accurate treatment recommendations. For questions or to schedule an inspection today, call: 801-548-4616.

How a Termite Inspection is conducted

Because a pest control operator has a trained eye and knows what to look for, his examination will be brief but thorough.  He will identify evidence of any previous treatments or infestations, any wood-destroying insects present and the damage they have caused and any structural conditions that may make your home especially vulnerable to attack.  

A licensed person will conduct a careful inspection to determine the presence or absence of visible evidence of infestation from wood destroying insects.  The inspection will be made in those areas which are readily accessible and where infestation is most likely to occur.  No inspection is made in areas that require the breaking apart or dismantling/removal of any objects.  Therefore, it is not a warranty as to the absence of wood destroying insects. It is not a structural damage report. A wood destroying insect inspector is not ordinarily a construction or building trade expert and is not expected to possess any special qualifications that enable him to detect the extent of structural damage.  Evidence of wood destroying insects is noted in the report. 

The cost of an inspection varies.  However, the fee is usually small.  You should keep in mind that even if the results of an inspection are negative - if termites aren't present - your money wasn't wasted.  You've purchased peace of mind.

Termites have been found in buildings as early as four days after construction.  Every building fabricated wholly or partly of wood is susceptible.  Chemical or mechanical barriers can be established in the construction stage to prevent or discourage termite infestations in new homes.

Subterranean termites are often detected during swarming, usually in the spring, when some fly from their nests to start new colonies.  Other signs are shelter tubes primarily composed of mud on the surface of walls, joists, piers, chimneys, plumbing and other fixtures.  Weak or broken structural members, blistered wood and soil in cracks can also be evidence of subterranean termites.  Drywood termites sometimes give themselves away by creating surface blisters on wood and leaving wings or piles of waste that look like sawdust on windows and floors.

“…any structure containing wood or cellulose material provides a natural food source for subterranean termites.  Even structures that are mostly steel and concrete are vulnerable to termite attack. The following list will provide some general conditions conducive to termite infestation: (1) earth-wood contact; (2) firewood stacked against foundation; (3) wood debris in crawl space; (4) wood mulch [within 3 ft. of foundation]; (5) faulty grade; (6) insufficient ventilation; or (7) moisture.

For more information: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=http://utahpests.usu.edu/factsheets/insects-nuisance&httpsredir=1&article=1964&context=extension_curall

Source:  http://www.texasagriculture.gov/RegulatoryPrograms/Pesticides/StructuralPestControlService/TermiteFumigationApplications/TermiteFAQs.aspx

How are we different

Utah Termite Inspection Specialists, LLC is the only company in the State of Utah which specializes exclusively in Termite and Wood-Destroying Insect inspections for real estate transactions. Because we specialize in Termite and WDI Inspections, we are fast, affordable and expert at what we do. Since we do not treat for termites, we have no added incentive to recommend treatment if treatment is not absolutely necessary; and we always offer independent, unbiased recommendations based upon our findings.

Occasionally, a Realtor or homeowner will call upon a Home Inspector to perform a Termite Inspection. Although many Home Inspectors are very good at what they do, they are nonetheless generalists, inspecting a dozen or more major home systems and elements. It simply is not possible for any Home Inspector who is responsible for inspecting Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC systems, along with inspecting for Structural, Roofing, Flooring, asbestos or Radon problems, to have the experience, training and expertise which we have obtained through years of specializing in inspecting for and identifying evidence of wood-destroying insect infestation.

In other cases, a Realtor or a homeowner will call upon a licensed Pest Control Company, or Exterminator, to provide a Termite Inspection. Although most Pest Control Operators are indeed experts in identifying evidence of infestation, it is impossible to ignore the inherent conflict of interest created when they are both inspecting for and offering treatment for WDI infestation. Unfortunately, there are too many cases where a Pest Control Company recommends a termite treatment when a treatment is not really necessary. This can create major problems for Realtors and a costly, unnecessary expense for the homeowner.

A need in the industry for expert, affordable and unbiased Termite and Wood-Destroying Insect inspections was the genesis of our company. We are proud to offer affordable, unbiased, same-day inspections for VA Loans and other real estate transactions across the Utah. Call to schedule your inspection today!

How to Protect Your Home from Termites

Amazingly, there are nearly 3,000 subspecies of Termites found on earth today. There have been documented cases of termite infestation in every U.S. State except Alaska, but termites are only rarely found above an elevation of 10,000. Although Termites provide great benefit by helping to decompose wood and cellulose in our natural environment, they are responsible for more than $2 Billion in damage to homes and structural buildings in the United States each year and are considered to be the most destructive of all insects on earth. Termites in Texas cause more damage to residential homes each year than fire, water and windstorm combined.

A home often represents people’s most valuable asset. Accordingly, great care should be taken to protect the home and safeguard it against damage from pests and wood-destroying insects. Following is a list of things which homeowners can do to take action to prevent the damaging effects of termite infestation.  

1. Homeowners should be vigilant. Care should be taken to watch for signs of infestation. Visible signs of infestation include: the development of mud tunnels, or shelter tubes, which termites build to conceal themselves while traveling between their nest and food source.

2. Homeowners should work to mitigate or remove “conducive conditions” for wood-destroying insect infestation. Conducive conditions include wood-to-soil contact in or around the home, leaking pipes, faucets or areas which contain excessive moisture.

3. Homeowners should seek a professional opinion regarding any suspicious-looking evidence of infestation, including swarming of winged insects, development of mud tunnels, or any unusual bubbling or cracking in the paint, wallpaper or wall-covering inside the home.  The cost for a thorough inspection by a licensed inspector pales in comparison to the potential costs of repair and extensive remediation, should a problem not be detected and diagnosed early.

Most new-construction homes today are built using pressure-treated wood, which is resistant to infestation by wood-destroying insects. Many builders pre-treat the soil beneath and surrounding the home, which offers added protections. However, even the most potent termiticides available in the commercial marketplace today have a limited lifespan. Homeowners cannot expect more than 10-12 years of residual effectiveness following application of any pesticide designed for the treatment of termites.

Accordingly, homeowners should educate themselves regarding the telltale signs of infestation by wood-destroying insects, and they should waste no time in contacting a licensed Termite Inspector to obtain an expert opinion concerning whether an infestation has occurred, and what steps should be taken to remedy the problem, if necessary.

For questions or further information, call: Utah Termite Inspection Specialists, LLC at (801) 548-4616