Termites live in large colonies and are known for their destructive tendencies in man-influenced environments. If you are looking to buy a pre-existing house, you can never totally rule out the possibility it could be termite-infested. It is, therefore, important to have a pre-purchase termite inspection performed before placing on offer on the property. A termite inspection is a job typically carried out by termite inspection and control specialists and paid for by potential home buyers. Therefore, you might want to know whether it's worth the price.

So, what is a pre-purchase termite inspection good for? Here is a look at some important reasons to have the inspection carried out. 

To Identify an Existing Termite Infestation

As an interested home buyer, you will need to know whether the property you want to acquire is termite-infested, and to establish the extent of the infestation, if discovered. When a termite inspection is performed on the property, your termite inspector will look for visible signs of damage. If termite damage is found, the inspector will provide you with a report with recommendations on the how to arrange for repairs and prevent further damage. Early detection can save you significant repair expenses down the line. You can use the findings of the report to either haggle a lower price with the seller or ask the seller to make the required repairs before you can finalise the sale.

To Stop Potential Infestations in Their Tracks

Termite inspections are not just designed to help reveal existing termite infestations or damage, but also to identify and correct areas susceptible to future infestations. Generally, termites are primarily drawn to areas that provide them with food and water. Typical areas of concern in homes include felled trees and old tree roots, utility pipes running through the floors of a house, bath traps in slab houses, and many other food or moisture sources. 

It is important to note that signs of termite infestation are not always conspicuous. Termite feeding and nesting can go unnoticed in exposed wood and other areas of the home at risk of infestation. While detection of termites calls for the keen eye of a professional termite inspector, even the most experienced inspector can fail to discover hidden termite activity. If your termite inspection report indicates no termites were found in or on your structure, and you proceed to buy the property, you will still need to watch out for potential termite incursions or damage.