How To Look At A House

McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of  

site-built, mobile/manufactured and modular homes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Termites

Monday, November 11, 2019

Termites munch away at the wood in a home quietly and out of sight, but the total dollar value of damage each year in the U.S. exceeds even house fires. Here’s links with answers to the questions we get asked most frequently about termites.

I think I have termites. What does a termite look like?

Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

When do termites swarm in Florida?  


• What is a TIP Zone Map?

 Why is it a mistake to store lumber in the crawl space under a house?

Does the presence of carpenter ants in a house indicate that there are probably also termites? 

How do termites infest a house and remain hidden while doing major damage?

Are homes in Florida required to have termite protection? 

If termite damage appears to be old, does that mean that termites may no longer be present?

How do I know if my WDO/termite report is "clear"?  

What do termites eat?

Does a recent termite company inspection sticker mean there are no termites? 

Can a mobile/manufactured home get termites?

Do I have to tent the house if I have termites? 

What is the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite?

What are the green plastic discs in the ground around the house? 

What is a termite shield?

• What areas of the country are most likely to have drywood termite infestations occur?  

How do termites get into a concrete block house? 

Do termites eat concrete?

What is a clean WDO?  

Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites? 

• Does a home inspector check for termites?

Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim?

I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned? 

How long does Bora-Care® last?

• Why do termite inspectors tap the wood siding and baseboard wood in a home?  

• What are the building code requirements for making a house termite resistant? 

What are the minimum access openings for a termite (WDO) inspector in Florida for a crawl space and attic, and within these spaces?

 • What areas of the exterior of a home is a termite (WDO) inspector in Florida required to inspect? 

• What does a termite mud tube look like? 

Do I need a termite inspection for an FHA loan? 

• Do I need a termite inspection for a VA loan? 

• Do I need a termite inspection for a USDA loan? 

• Is wood-decay fungi found during a termite (WDO) inspection the same as mold? 

• Can a termite inspector  guarantee that there are no termites in a house? 

• Is a ground treatment for termites required before installation of a new mobile/manufactured home? 

How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done?



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