Buying your first home is exciting—but termites can quickly dampen that joy. These pests are capable of turning a dream home into a costly project if not handled properly. But don’t panic—buying a house that’s had termite issues doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. When you understand what you’re facing, you can still enjoy a home that once had termite damage. As a new homeowner, preserving your home’s value should be at the top of your list.
Termites are silent destroyers, capable of causing serious structural harm. Since infestations can take years to become noticeable, many previous owners may not have known they had a problem until significant damage was done. That’s why it’s essential to have a termite inspection included during the home buying process. A trained inspector will spot evidence of current or previous infestations and even repair work related to termite damage.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can protect your new home from termites and make informed decisions during the home buying journey.
What to Know About Buying a Home With Past Termite Issues
It's completely normal to feel uneasy about unseen damage or the possibility of termites returning. If there's an active infestation, treatment needs to happen immediately. But when past damage has been repaired, the key is long-term prevention to keep the pests from coming back.
During the buying process, you can (and should) request a specialized termite inspection—commonly referred to as a Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) report. This document will identify any evidence of current or past activity and help guide your next steps toward a termite-resistant home.
Also, keep in mind that some home insurance providers may request documentation like the WDI report to ensure the home is termite-free.
Identifying Termites: What Do They Look Like?
Termites are often mistaken for carpenter ants, but there are some distinct differences. Termites have straight antennae, no distinct waist, and two sets of wings that are equal in length. Their coloring is usually pale—ranging from creamy white to light brown.
Here in New Jersey & Pennsylvania, homeowners most commonly encounter Eastern subterranean termites. These have dark brown to nearly black bodies with translucent wings that have a whitish tint.
Should You Buy a House With Termite Damage?
That depends entirely on the severity of the damage. If the structural integrity of the home is compromised, it may not be worth the cost or risk. Before making your decision, hire a professional termite specialist to do a complete inspection. It’s also wise to have a structural engineer assess any affected areas to confirm the home is still sound.
You may be able to negotiate repairs or a reduced sale price depending on what’s discovered during the inspection process.
Common Signs of Termite Damage
Termites work out of sight but leave behind subtle signs of destruction. They can consume wood, drywall, wallpaper, and more—leading to serious structural issues. Some telltale signs to watch for include:
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Warped or buckling flooring
- Paint that bubbles or peels like there’s water damage
- Tiny punctures in drywall
- Mud tubes running up exterior surfaces
Is Termite Treatment Safe?
While we can’t make universal safety claims, Cooper Pest Solutions takes every precaution to make our termite treatments as low-risk and responsible as possible. We use GreenPro-certified products and targeted application methods that minimize exposure to your family and pets.
Our trained technicians follow strict guidelines to ensure treatments are effective while being mindful of your home environment. If you have specific concerns, we’re always here to discuss the process and address your questions.
How to Keep Termites Out of Your Home
This isn’t a situation where DIY methods will cut it. While steps like fixing moisture issues or avoiding direct wood-to-soil contact can help reduce risk, only professional intervention provides full protection.
When you partner with Cooper Pest Solutions, you can expect:
- A full inspection to identify vulnerable areas
- Installation of baiting systems or termite barriers
- Application of eco-conscious treatments to create a protective perimeter
Safeguard Your Investment With Expert Termite Control
When it comes to termites, swift action and expert help make all the difference. Don’t let termites quietly destroy the home you’ve worked hard to buy. The longer they go unnoticed, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage becomes.
Cooper Pest Solutions offers comprehensive termite control services that give homeowners peace of mind. We’ll assess your property thoroughly, implement targeted treatments, and develop a custom prevention plan—all using environmentally safe products and proven methods.
Contact Cooper Pest Solutions today by phone or by filling out our quick form online. Let’s protect your home from the ground up.