Homeowner Information

Northwest Termite and Pest Control will never charge the home owner if they feel they have a termite or pest problem--even if you don't use us.

However, if you are buying or selling a home, Northwest Termite and Pest Control will perform real estate pest inspections and home inspections in Sonoma and Lake Counties at a cost. In California a structural pest control inspection is commonly made when a home or other structure is sold because the lending agency involved often requires one. When a formal offer is submitted to a seller most realtors use a pest report as a negotiating tool.

Northwest Termite and Pest Control pest inspections will usually begin outside the perimeter of the home checking for conducive conditions that will attract termites and other wood-destroying organisms.

Conducive Conditions Leading to Damage

Conditions that may lead to infestations of wood-destroying organisms are pictured below. Old wood piles near the house, stumps, and cracks in foundation walls are the main attractions to these insects. We also look for earth-to-wood contact, plumbing leaks and fences attached directly to buildings that could harbor pests.

Conducive Conditions

New Construction Problems

Pest Inspections

Inside, we check for loose toilets and other plumbing leaks that can cause dry rot or attract termites. We pull back carpets to detect damage near sliding glass doors leading to decks. We look for water stains on the ceiling, excessive weathering of wood, and condensation around windows. If there is a tile shower, we will run the water for 10 minutes, then look under the house for leaks. While under the house, we also look for dry rot and excessive moisture.

Inspectors also look for telltale termite signs such as mud tubes along the foundation or piles of woody-looking fecal pellets. They also look for piles of discarded wings, a sign that the termites have been through the swarming stage, when the kings and queens fly from their old colonies to start new ones.

People may even notice the insects fluttering around in the fall when the rains start, and again in the spring.

We may also use a pick-and-pry technique to see if wood is sound. Undamaged wood will splinter, damaged wood will break off in chunks.

Finally, we prepare a complete report that details the problems, and then we discuss all of the solutions available to you.