Termites and Buying a Home
It’s no secret that termites love warm, moist environments. In New England, termites thrive in the spring and summer months, leading to swarms when they mate and reproduce. Once the cold, dry weather hits, termites may forage inside your home in search of warmer temperatures. While termite activity is a headache for any homeowner, it can also be a huge hassle for anyone trying to buy a home.
Spring and summer are prime home-buying seasons. They’re also warm, wet seasons—a termite’s favorite. You may have seen increased activity from termites that spent the winter creating a nest in your walls or foundation. This is where infestations can cause real trouble.
So What’s the Problem?
During a real estate transaction, the lending institution or mortgage company will typically require a termite inspection. If termites are discovered, they’ll require treatment before granting a mortgage. This can create a bigger problem than many people realize, as applying a termiticide to frozen or saturated soil is a violation of EPA termiticide regulations. It’s also not in the homebuyer’s best interest, as any treatments applied in cold weather may be ineffective!
This situation can become a real issue, because the seller typically looks for the cheapest price, and may be less interested in the treatment’s effectiveness. So as a buyer, be aware and negotiate a springtime treatment when the soil is most accepting of the termiticide.
If you need any help with a termite problem or a new home pest inspection, call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!
