Expert Termite Exterminators in Cleveland
Don’t let their small size fool you; termites and other WDI (wood-destroying insects) can cause massive damage to your home. The key to avoiding costly repairs? Catch them early. That’s what we do best. As Cleveland’s top termite exterminator, we’ll inspect your house, find the bugs, and fix the problem. No fuss, no mess—just results.
The Importance of Termite & WDI Inspections
A termite infestation can cause serious, expensive damage to the home. Whether you are looking to sell, are purchasing, or just want peace of mind, here are a few good reasons to get a termite inspection done by a professional.
Preventing Structural Damage
Termites and other wood-destroying insects can cause significant structural damage to homes. Early detection can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
Health & Safety Concerns
Termites by themselves are not harmful to humans, but the damage they inflict on the structure of the home can be. If left untreated, or if the homeowner is not aware that their homes are being subjected to a wood-destroying insect infestation, it can become a health and safety concern for those living in the home.
Loan & Insurance Requirements
If you’re looking to secure a HUD, FHA, or VA loan, a WDI Inspection is more than just a good idea. It’s a requirement. Likewise, many insurance policies require regular inspections. By being proactive, homeowners can meet these requirements and save thousands by keeping their premiums down.
Do Home Inspections Look for Termites & Other WDIs?
Now, you might be thinking, “I just had a home inspection done. Isn’t that enough?” Not quite. While a general home inspection might include termites, it doesn’t always include other wood-destroying insects like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powder post beetles. Our WDI and Termite checks, performed by NPMA 33-compliant inspectors, are designed to catch what others miss.
Signs You Have a Termite Problem
Termites are often called the “silent destroyers,” and for good reason. They can cause significant damage to a home without you even realizing it. If you spot any of these signs, call us to schedule an inspection.
- Swarmers: Keep an eye out for swarms of winged insects, especially in spring. These could be termite “swarmers” — adults leaving the nest to start new colonies.
- Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel between their underground nests and the wooden structures they feed on. These tubes are typically about the width of a pencil and can be found on exterior walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.
- Hollow Wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin outer shell. If you tap on wooden structures and they sound hollow, this is a sign of a termite infestation.
- Sagging Floors or Ceilings: As termites consume the wooden support beams in your home, floors, and ceilings may begin to sag or appear uneven.
- Cracks in Drywall or Plaster: Unexplained cracks in your drywall or plaster, especially near the ceiling or floor joints, could be another sign of termite damage. While not all cracks are termite-related, it’s worth investigating if you notice other signs too.
Affordable Termite & WDI Inspections
Single Family Home Under 3,000 Square Feet
- Fast service to keep the ball moving on your realty transaction. Detailed service to insure your home is in good shape going forward.
Termite Pest Control & Treatment Options
We understand that every home is unique, and so are its termite control needs. That’s why we offer a range of termite treatment options to tackle any termite problem thrown your way.
Liquid Treatments
We’ll apply a termiticide around your home’s perimeter, creating a barrier that keeps them out and preventing any future termite infestations.
Bait Systems
Bait systems are a smart way to target termite infestations at their source. As the termites share the bait with their colony, the entire infestation is gradually eliminated. It’s an effective approach to getting rid of termites for good.
Spot Treatments
If you have a localized termite issue, our spot treatments are the perfect fix. It’s precise and eliminates termites only where they’re active, which prevents further damage to your property. It’s a quick and efficient way to handle isolated termite problems.
Fumigation
Sometimes, severe or widespread termite infestations require a more comprehensive approach. That’s where fumigation comes in. We’ll tent your entire structure and introduce a fumigant gas that reaches every nook and cranny, eliminating all termites present. It’s the ultimate solution for extensive infestations, giving you a fresh start.
Frequently Asked Questions About Termite Inspections (FAQs)
Will environmental situations that could lead to structural issues affect my inspection results?
Good question. Environmental situations, such as a tree infested with carpenter ants or soil piled too high against the garage foundation, will not directly affect your inspection results. While these situations will be noted in the additional comments section of the report, they won’t determine whether you pass or fail the inspection.
How can I tell if my home has been treated for termites before?
There are a few telltale signs that a home has been treated for termites in the past. Keep an eye out for printed stickers left by professionals — you might find these on the furnace, hot water tank, or electric panel. If you spot incremental drill holes along foundation walls and through concrete slabs, that’s a sign of past liquid termite treatments. Old termite bait stations on the property are another giveaway.
I’ve got a shed in my backyard. Will you inspect that too, or just the main house?
Our standard WDI Inspection covers the main structure and any connected structures, like attached garages, additions, and decks. If you need us to take a look at a detached structure, like your shed, just let us know and we’ll make a special request. Keep in mind that we don’t inspect things like wood piles, mulch, landscape timbers (unless they’re inside a covered structure), or fence posts as part of the regular WDI report.
How Should I Prepare For My Termite & WDI Inspection?
To ensure a smooth process, we do ask that the property owners take some steps before our pest control experts conduct their inspection.
- Gather relevant information from the other parties involved. Know what structures are included in the purchase contract. Anything in the contract will need to be inspected.
- Share pertinent information about closing conditions and timelines. By doing so, you ensure sufficient time for inspection.
- Obtain a copy of the Seller Disclosure Form. Here, the Seller discloses structural problems, water leaks, roof damage, and past W.D.I. treatments. These can be very beneficial for your inspector.
- Give your inspector access to all necessary parts of the home by removing clutter. Start by relocating belongings away from the perimeter walls.
- Clear crawlspaces and attic entry points. Clear the undersides of decks and porches, too. We will also inspect access doors greater than 18″ by 18″.
- Secure your pets. We will not be responsible for pets left on the property during service.
- Notify adjacent property owners if we will require access to their property to inspect certain areas of the structure.
- Do not clean or remove possible evidence of wood-destroying insects.
Pest Control Cleveland Can Trust
Lakewood Exterminating has established itself as a premier pest control company in Cleveland, Ohio. We are known for our outstanding service and exceptional results. Our satisfied customers are a true reflection of our commitment to providing dedicated care and quality pest control services.
Request a quote from Cleveland’s #1 termite exterminators.
Clean, quick, and painless—that’s our promise.
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Lakewood Exterminating, 13443 Detroit Ave., #8, Lakewood, OH 44107
Lakewood Exterminating, 13443 Detroit Ave., #8, Lakewood, OH 44107