Richland Termite, Inc. specializes in residential, commercial, new construction, termite and structural building inspections. We can assure you that our high level of real estate competence, professionalism, and attention to detail has earned Richland Termite an excellent reputation. Our reputation for quality termite inspection and treatment is based on well earned trust and professionalism. Protecting your investment from extensive damage resulting from an active termite infestation is our primary concern and goal. Richland Termite is located in Los Alamitos, California and our staff is highly trained and licensed.

We hope that the following frequently asked questions will help you understand more about why termite inspections are necessary and what to expect after an inspection is completed.

Q. Why would I need a Termite inspection?
A. Most home mortgage lenders require a termite inspection prior to approving a new home loan. Because structural damage can be expensive to repair, the lender will want to make sure that their interest in the property is protected and that no active termite infestations exist before financing the property. This is to your benefit as well, since buying a home is a major investment, you would not want to purchase a home that has an active termite problem or hidden termite damage. You should periodically have a re-inspection performed to make sure your property is continuously protected.

Q. How long does a termite inspection take? What's involved?
A. Our highly trained and experienced inspectors can usually complete a termite inspection within an hour. Your home or other structure will be thoroughly inspected. Because termites are our specialty, we know exactly what to look for that will indicate the presence of termites and other wood destroying insects. Certain types of visible damage may indicate the presence of termites.

Q. What does an inspector look for during a termite inspection?
A. Richland Termite inspectors are trained to look for active infection or infestation as well as resulting damage caused by termites. Some things an inspector will look for are: termites, fungus damage, water damage, earth to wood contacts and plumbing leaks. Other indications of termite infestation include, mud tunnels, hollowed out wood, termite swarming, etc. Our inspectors are highly trained to look in the most obvious places and know exactly what to look for.

Q. Is my newly constructed home vulnerable to Termite infestation?
A. This is a possibility. Any structure containing wood is a potential target of attack for Termites. Pre-treatment of a new structure is highly recommended to protect your new home.

Q. What are the most common types of Termites in Northern California
A. Western subterranean termites, Western drywood termites, or Pacific dampwood termites.

Q. How do I tell the difference between an ant and a termite?
A. Characteristics of ANTS: Antennae have joints that are elbow-like, the ant waist is smaller than the surrounding body, the hind wings are smaller (shorter) than the fore wings and are irregular shaped. Characteristics of TERMITES: Antennae have no joints, the waist is thicker and very close to the size of the surrounding body, the hind and fore wings are of equal length and oval shaped. Refer the image below to see the difference between ants and termites.

Q. How do subterranean termites get into my home or dwelling?
A. Termites only require 1/64" wide opening in concrete, wood, brick or other building material and can gain access from beside, beneath or above a dwelling. They may enter directly from the soil, or may build mud tubes leading from a nearby termite colony in the soil to the wood of your house. Termites travel between the wood found in dwellings and their colony every day.

Q. What if no evidence of termites is found?
A. Richland Termite will provide you with a written report stating that no visible evidence of infestation has been found in the area that was inspected. It is important to periodically perform a reinspection, particularly if other nearby structures indicate the presence of termites.

Q. If the inspection shows termites are present, what should be done?
A. Our termite inspection report should be available within 24 hours after inspection. If the inspection reveals the presence of termites or other wood destroying insects, it is necessary to quickly treat the property to prevent any further damage. Richland Termite will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a quote for the cost to treat an active termite infestation as well as the cost for damage repairs.

Q. If a treatment is needed, what is the cost for treatment?
A. Depending on what the results of the inspection reveal, the costs to treat and/or repair damage may vary. Until after the termite inspection is completed, we will not be able to provide you with an exact cost for treatment. Costs are based on the size and construction of the structure being treated for termites, as well as other factors that are assessed during the inspection. Compared to the damage resulting from a termite infestation, the cost of prevention is necessary to protect your investment in your home or building from future damage. That is why it is so important to have regular termite inspections.

Q. Will my family have to vacate the house during treatment?
A. Not necessarily. It depends upon whether the infestation is located inside your dwelling. Treatment for subterranean termites can be accomplished without vacating your home. After the termite inspection, Richland Termite inspectors will explain to you exactly what procedures are necessary to correct the infestation and any resulting termite damage.

Q. Do termite treatment chemicals cause an offensive odor?
A. If the treatment is applied inside your dwelling, you may notice an odor immediately after the termite treatment is completed. Within a few days, the odor will disappear. Outdoor treatments will not produce any odor inside your home.

Q. Should I use do-it-yourself treatments for termites?
A. Unless you are trained in termite treatments it is not practical to do it yourself. Special equipment and application techniques are required to do the job correctly. Trained and experienced personnel have the skills necessary and equipment to do the job properly. Chemicals used to effectively treat termites require a license to handle.

Q. What if the inspection reveals extensive Termite damage to my property?
A. If our inspection discovers damage that could threaten the soundness or appearance of the dwelling or building, we will inform you of any repairs that may be needed. Our qualified inspectors are familiar with the specialized repairs needed to correct damage by Termites and we will inform you of exactly what needs to be done and the process for completing the repairs.

Call Richland Termite, toll free at
888-4-TERMITE (888-483-7648)

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