Maryland Home Inspections: Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Termite Inspection

Introduction

You’ve finally found your dream home in Maryland and you’re ready to close the deal. As part of the home-buying process, it’s common to get a general home inspection to evaluate the overall condition of the property. However, some buyers choose to skip the termite inspection to save money or time. This decision could end up costing you thousands of dollars down the road if a termite infestation is present. Termites do hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year in Maryland homes. Don’t let your new house become affected by failing to get a termite inspection.

What are Termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects that feed on cellulose materials like wood framing, floors, drywall, books, and furniture. There are different species of termites in Maryland including subterranean, dry wood, damp wood, and Formosan termites. They can cause severe structural damage over time if left undetected. Termites work slowly and the signs are not always visible. They travel through mud tubes they construct between their underground colonies and food sources. Homeowners may not notice termites until they swarm or significant interior damage is done. Getting a termite inspection along with your general home inspection in Maryland can uncover infestations before they escalate.

Why Termite Inspections are Crucial in Maryland

Maryland’s hot, humid climate and abundance of forests create an environment where termites thrive. Termites are found throughout the state, with a heavy concentration in the Baltimore metro and Washington D.C. suburbs where older housing stock exists. If you’re buying a home built before the year 2000 that hasn’t been treated for termites, it’s extremely risky to forgo an inspection. Older homes with wood components in contact with soil are prime targets. Even newer homes can harbor termites if they’ve used infested lumber or mulch during construction. Getting a termite inspection provides peace of mind that one of the most destructive pests is not hiding in the home’s bones, undetected.

What a Termite Inspection Entails

A thorough termite inspection performed by a licensed professional involves visually checking both the interior and exterior of the home for signs of termites. The inspector will look in crawl spaces, basements, attics, and around plumbing pipes for mud tubes on foundation walls or swarming wings. They will probe wood materials with an awl to check for damage. Inspectors often bring a moisture meter to measure water content in wood, as termites are attracted to damp materials. Thermal imaging cameras can detect termite activity behind walls. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector provides a detailed report indicating if termites are present, what species, the extent of damage, and a recommended plan for treatment if necessary.

Why DIY Inspections are Risky

Some home buyers think they can inspect for termites themselves and skip hiring a professional. However, attempting a DIY termite inspection is extremely difficult for an untrained eye. The signs of infestation can be microscopic or hidden in areas like wall voids and insulation. Termites often go unnoticed until major structural damage occurs. Homeowners also risk misidentifying the termite species, which can impact treatment. Licensed inspectors have advanced equipment, like power drill cameras, and the knowledge to conduct a proper inspection. They know exactly where and how to check thoroughly. Termite treatments can be expensive, so you don’t want to pay for unnecessary pest control. Professional inspectors carry liability insurance and guarantee their reports. Relying on an amateur inspection could give you a false sense of security at closing.

Questions to Ask Potential Inspectors

When interviewing termite inspection companies, make sure to ask:

• Are you licensed in Maryland for termite inspections and fumigation?
• Do you have liability insurance and guarantee your inspections?
• How long have you been inspecting homes in Maryland?
• What type of equipment do you use?
• How detailed will the inspection report be?
• What is the cost and how long will the inspection take?
• Can infestations be treated if found and do you provide those services?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Some red flags to watch out for when hiring a termite inspector:

• No active license for Maryland.
• Little or no experience with local homes.
• Vague about the equipment used and inspection process.
• Pushy about selling termite treatment without a thorough inspection.
• Doesn’t check exterior areas and foundation perimeter.
• Rushes through inspection quickly.
• No detailed, clearly written report was provided.
• Unable to thoroughly answer questions.
• Negative online reviews about poor service.

Avoid inspectors who seem rushed, inattentive, or primarily focused on selling pest control services before conducting a full inspection.

Why a Termite Inspection is Worth It

Spending $300-$500 for a comprehensive termite inspection seems like a lot for some home buyers. It’s tempting to try and cut costs by skipping this step. But catching a serious termite infestation before closing on a home can save you tens of thousands of dollars later on. The damage from unchecked termites grows exponentially over time. What might begin as a small area of damage can spread quickly through flooring, walls, and eventually structural framing. Extensive repairs involving fumigation, mold remediation, and even foundation work or rebuilding framing can easily cost over $10,000-20,000. For such a small upfront investment, a termite inspection provides valuable peace of mind that termites are not destroying your expensive new home from the inside. You protect your family and your financial investment for the long run.

Conclusion

Termites are a real threat to Maryland homes, especially older properties that haven’t been treated. While general home inspections are important, they may not catch hidden termite infestations. Don’t skip this critical step when buying a home in Maryland. Work with a trusted local inspector who will perform a careful visual and probe inspection, provide a clear report on findings, and offer solutions if termites are uncovered. An inspection now can nip a problem in the bud before it burrows deeper. Give yourself and your family true peace of mind knowing your home does not harbor these silent destroyers. With a clean termite inspection report in hand, you’ll close the deal knowing your beloved new home is structurally sound for many happy years to come.