In Part 1, I talked about how the inspection begins with an interview and the clues found in inspection and fumigation tags and termite droppings. In Part 2, we’ll look at all the other sources that help us crack the case and recommend the best solution for your termite problem.

The Homeowner
Is the home clean or cluttered? Maintained or falling into disrepair? Does the homeowner insist I wear shoe covers? If the place is immaculate and they look at my feet before my face, I know they’ve probably stayed ahead of any termite or fungus issues. A more relaxed attitude can sometimes indicate the opposite—problems that have gone unchecked.

The Structure
Is it a townhouse or a single-family home? If it shares walls, fumigation will require neighbor cooperation. Is the neighboring unit in good shape? If not, that increases the risk of infestation. Other structural clues include the type of roof, foundation (slab or raised), boxed eaves, and surrounding vegetation.

The Eaves
Inspecting eaves means probing fascia, rafter tails, outriggers, and other exposed wood. I use a short pole for the first story and a long one for the second. Solid wood gives no reaction. But soft or hollow-sounding wood means something’s up. Sometimes a probe causes a section to break open—and out pour termite droppings. For a termite inspector, that’s like striking oil. If the wood is soft and crumbles, it’s usually fungus damage.

Wood Damage
Each type of damage tells a different story:

• Shrunken or brittle wood = fungus.
  
  
• Wood packed with dirt and droppings = subterranean termites.
  
  
• Smooth, hollowed-out wood = drywood termites.
  
  

Where There’s Moisture, There’s Something
Moisture is the root cause of termite and fungus issues. I check along gutters first—clogs can cause water to seep into nearby wood. If the wood looks darker or water-stained, that’s a red flag.

The Attic
Homeowners sometimes ask if I need to go into the attic. Not inspecting it is like a doctor skipping the heart exam. Attics are key because:

• The wood is unpainted and more vulnerable.
  
  
• Attic vents provide entry for swarming termites.
  
  
• Homeowners rarely go up there—activity can go unnoticed for years.
  
  

The Crawlspace
This is where subterranean termites leave their calling cards. I check foundation walls and posts for mud tubes—these are their highways from the soil to your home. Moist soil, leaky plumbing, or poor ventilation can create the perfect environment. Crawlspaces often require belly-crawling to access, so problems can go undetected for years. But moisture is always the common thread.

The Foundation
For slab homes, the perimeter is crucial. If you find mud tubes running from the soil up the slab, that means subterranean termites are active.

These are the big clues. There are other, smaller tells, but these are the ones that usually shape my recommendations. If the homeowner becomes a customer, it’s fascinating to revisit the “crime scene”—I mean, house—over time and see how activity changes.

Want a termite detective to inspect your home? Inspections are free. Contact California Termite today.