When buying a home, should I get a termite inspection? The answer is yes. The Tidewater area is ideal for termite infestations.  Termites cause over 5 billion dollars in damage annually in the United States. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage. This means that any costs resulting from termite damage are the homeowner’s responsibility.  Termites are very difficult to detect.  They can squeeze through the smallest of cracks to enter the house.  Most people won’t notice these pests until the damage is already done.  At that point, the termite colony has million of members.  The most destructive termites are subterranean termites.  These destructive creatures can collapse an entire home.  Termites need wood and moisture in order to survive.  There are preventative measures to keep these bugs away.  Keeping proper ventilation under your home in the crawl space, keeping wood scraps and lumber away, and not allowing water to accumulate near the house are just some of the ways to prevent infestation. Consumer Mortgage has been serving the local area for 30 years.  Give us a call for any of your mortgage needs at 757-552-7000 or 1-800-882-0066.