Tiny Homewreckers: Why a Termite Inspection is Crucial When Buying or Selling a Home
- Josh Judge
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or you’re deep into the homebuying process, there’s one tiny terror you really want to avoid: termites. Termites are often called “silent destroyers” for a reason — they can wreak havoc on a home’s structure long before visible signs appear.
At Profound Inspections, we've seen these pests cause more drama than a reality show reunion episode. They're quiet, sneaky, and expensive—basically the worst kind of roommate. So let’s talk about why termite inspections are a must before you sign on that dotted line.
How to Spot a Termite Problem
Termites are like the ninjas of the insect world—but with a taste for your walls. While they may be sneaky, they’re not invisible.
Here’s what to look for:
Mud Tubes: Pencil-thin tunnels on your foundation that termites use to travel between their colony and food sources. You’ll often find them along foundations or crawlspaces.
Discarded Wings: Swarmers (reproductive termites) shed their wings when they find a place to start a new colony. You might find these near windowsills or doors.
Hollow or Damaged Wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, so tap exposed wood—if it sounds hollow, that’s a red flag.
Bubbling Paint or Discolored Drywall: This can resemble water damage, but it could be termites just below the surface.
Frass: This is a fancy word for termite poop. If you see little wood-colored pellets, drywood termites have been eating your house.
The Damage Termites Can Cause
Imagine giving termites a buffet, and your home is the main course. They feed on cellulose—the main component of wood. That means they’ll chew through:
Structural beams
Flooring and subflooring
Door and window frames
Drywall and insulation
Left unchecked, termites can compromise the structural integrity of a home, creating safety risks and repair costs that can easily soar into the tens of thousands.
What Kind of Damage Can Termites Do?
Over time, this can lead to sagging floors, cracked walls, and emotional damage (okay, maybe that last one is just your wallet talking). Left untreated, repairs can cost more than a brand-new kitchen.
Treatment Options: What Happens If Termites Are Found?
If termites are discovered during a home inspection, don’t panic—there are effective treatments available:
Liquid Termiticides: Applied around the foundation to create a barrier that kills or repels termites.
Bait Stations: Installed around the property to attract and poison termites over time.
Fumigation: Typically reserved for drywood termites, this whole-structure treatment involves tenting the house and using a gas fumigant.
Has Prior Termite Damage Been Fixed?
A home with past termite issues isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. Here's how to tell if things were handled right:
Repairs were completed by a licensed contractor. Look for documentation detailing what was repaired and when.
A follow-up inspection shows no active infestation. A clean report from a certified inspector can provide peace of mind.
A warranty or termite bond is in place. Many pest control companies offer transferable warranties, which can protect you going forward.
Can You Trust a Home That “Looks” Termite-Free?
Termites don’t exactly announce their presence with a welcome mat. A home can look pristine while termites are snacking behind the walls. That’s why it’s essential to have a trained inspector (hi, that’s us 👋) go full detective mode on your behalf.
A home inspector will check for current infestations, signs of old damage, and conditions that could invite termites in the future (like damp crawlspaces or wood touching soil—aka termite Disneyland).
Don’t Skip This Step—Your House & Future Self Will Thank You
Skipping a termite inspection is like ignoring a weird noise in your car and hoping it goes away. It won’t. And it might cost you a lot more later.
Whether you're selling and want to avoid surprises during negotiations, or you're buying and want to ensure your dream home isn't a ticking time bomb, a termite inspection is a small investment that can pay off in a big way.
Schedule your termite inspection today— because your house deserves better than being slowly eaten from the inside out.
Very useful and informative information!