There are a lot of responsibilities that come with owning a home. Sadly, many homeowners don't consider termite inspections in Greenville, SC, to be part of the package. Most folks believe they should have an inspection done when you buy the property. However, after that initial inspection, they don't give these insects too much thought unless they see trouble. The problem is that these silent invaders can cause a significant amount of damage to your property, so having routine inspections can ensure your home is pest-free.

Why Termite Inspections Matter

South Carolina is a wonderful state to call home. The nice, warm summers come with lots of humidity, and this weather creates the perfect breeding ground for pesky insects like termites. These pests are quite destructive, and you could have thousands of dollars of damage and not even know it. Your home is likely your most significant investment. Ignoring termite inspections will put your investment at risk. An unnoticed termite infestation can lead to structural damage that can reduce your property value. Thankfully, regular inspections are a proactive measure to safeguard your investment and family.

The Two Most Common Termite Species

In South Carolina, we observe two types of termites: subterranean and dry wood. They both have different preferences, which makes it easy to identify the species inside your home. Subterranean termites stay out of sight as they don't like light.

These termites will construct an elaborate system of mud tubes. They mix their saliva with dirt to form a clay-like substance. These structures are about the width of a pencil, but these tubes allow them to travel back and forth from their nest to your home without being noticed.

Drywood termites don't usually build mud tubes. Rather, they like to live in the wooden structures of your home. They chew a colony system throughout the wood, where they eat and dwell. They can gnaw through your home's structural elements and cause substantial damage without you knowing. Regular termite inspections can catch the problem before it escalates, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repairs.

The Difference Between Termites and Carpenter Ants

Here at Candid Home Inspections, we often get calls from customers who believe they have a termite infestation but they have carpenter ants. At first glance, it's easy to mistake these, too, as there are some similarities. The best way to tell the two insects apart is to look closely at their bodies.

Termites are cream-colored, but the ants can come in various hues, from black to brown and sometimes red. The ants have a longer antenna that's elbowed, while the termite has a straight antenna with a bead-like thing at the end. Termites like to hollow out wooden structures, but the damage they do is clean-cut.

Ants make a real mess in your home because they don't eat the wood. They leave wood shavings and debris all around, and the damage is rougher. Finally, the termite's abdomen is different from the ant's, as they have no defined waistline. The ant has two sections that are easy to identify. After close examination, you'll see they look nothing alike.

Schedule Your Routine Inspection

Hiring termite inspection services in Greenville, SC, is an integral part of owning a home. At Candid Home Inspections, we know early detection will save you money and protect your investment. It's important to also be able to identify what you're dealing with, as termites and carpenter ants are two different insects. While both can damage your home, having termites is always considered a much worse problem. Call today to schedule your inspection.

Contact Information:

Candid Home Inspections

2650 Runion Rd
Inman, SC 29349
United States

Contact Candid Home Inspections
(864) 207-6073
http://www.candidhomeinspections.com/