#termite letter

[universalpest-blog]

Do You Know This About Termites?: Week 11

Subterranean termites are approximately 1/2-inch in length. The winged reproductive termites are pale yellow or brownish yellow, and their hairy wings have two dark veins. The soldier termites have an oval head with massive toothless mandibles that cross at the tips.

Subterranean termites build distinctive tunnels, often referred to as "tubules," to reach food sources. The tubules also protect them from open air. They use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood 24/7. Like other termite species, subterranean termites feed on products containing cellulose.

Subterranean termites nest in the soil to obtain moisture, but they also nest in wet wood. They easily attack wood in contact with the ground. If the wood does not meet the soil, termites build mud tunnels or tubes to reach wood feet above the ground. Also, they can enter a structure through expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities enter the house.

Liquid treatments for termites have been around for years. This method is used to apply a barrier around and under your home. The most popular active ingredient used today is fipronil.  Fipronil causes hyperexcitation of contaminated insects' nerves and muscles. This happens through a "transfer" effect. Each termite that comes in contact with fipronil will pass its effects to another as they come in contact with each other.

Baiting programs and products became popular when the request for less materials came about. This typically is a method of installing cylinders around the foundation of the home that either has a simple cellulose material in them until termite activity is found or directly installing termite bait and waiting for an infestation to ingest and then carry the material back to the colony. This method can take longer to control an active colony than a liquid service.

Universal Pest & Termite has developed Termite Control Services in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach region that consist of an initial liquid treatment where needed, then servicing with a granule product around the perimeter of the home on a quarterly basis. This program comes standard with a full pest control program so termites, ants, rodents and other pest are controlled with one simple and easy service.  This service saves money and offers a higher level of coverage than a standard termite service. Give Universal Pest a call today! 757-502-0200

[universalpest-blog]

Closing On A Home? What Now?: Week 8

1. APPLY FOR A LOAN: Immediately after negotiating the contract, the buyer should apply for any financing necessary. The agent's advice can help them select a lender whose services best meet their needs.  Notification of the application is passed to the listing agent, who keeps the seller informed. During this process, buyers must provide the lender information regarding their assets, income, debts and credit history. Haven’t found the right agent? Click here to find the best fit for you!

2. HOME INSPECTION: The importance of home inspections is probably the most significant change that has occurred in the home selling process in years. The process involves a full inspection of the property, performed by an inspector, chosen and paid by the buyers. After the buyers review the report, they have the right to ask the sellers to address any concerns they may have about. This is during the Due Diligence Period which is part of the Purchase & Sale Agreement.

3. DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD: During this period, the seller allows the buyer the option of terminating the agreement for any reason. Buyer may arrange financing, inspections, appraisals, examinations, surveys, etc. During this period, the buyer can also inspect for active termite infestation. This process can easily mean a complete renegotiation of the contract

4. GET IT APPRAISED: Part of the loan approval process, the lender requires the property be appraised to ensure that the value of the property is enough to justify the loan. Yes, the buyer and seller have already agreed on a price, but the appraiser's evaluation must support that price.

5. LOAN APPROVAL: After the appraisal has been completed and the lender has verified the buyer's income, credit, etc., the lender can decide a on loan approval. Both listing and selling agents will work to assure this is done.

6. CLOSING ATTORNEY: When the loan is approved, a real estate attorney must be selected to prepare for and conduct the closing. Among other items, the attorney will prepare all paperwork, check the title, and handle the receipt and distribution of all monies.

7. TERMITE INSPECTION/ LETTER: Contracts require the sellers to provide a clean termite letter to the buyers. A licensed WDI Inspector must certify that the property is free of infestation by termites or other wood destroying organisms. If infestation is found, treatment and repair may be required.  The cost of this inspection and any repairs is determined by the terms of the contract. Need an inspector? Contact Universal Pest & Termite to help you an your family today. 

8. HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE POLICY: If the home will be mortgaged, the buyers must plan for a homeowner's insurance policy covering the property. These arrangements must be made prior to closing present at closing. 

9. UTILITIES TRANSFER: Prior to closing, both buyers and sellers should arrange to have the utilities transferred. To accomplish this, a date will be agreed upon for the transfer. The sellers notify the utility companies to cancel services on that day. The buyers make applications with the various utilities and ask that their services be started on that same day.

Recommended Vendors:

Universal Pest & Termite

Universal Pest & Termite Elite

Universal Duct Cleaning

Universal Insulation Doctor

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