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Congratulations! You’re buying a home. This process can be short and simple or long and complicated, but either way, there are a lot of steps on the path to homeownership. One of those steps is the home pest inspection.
Not all lenders need a wood-destroying insect inspection, but it's a good idea to get one before closing. We talked to local experts about the importance of home pest inspections and pest control. They explained how these can lead to a better closing experience.
Why Pest Control is Essential in the Home Closing Process
If you’ve lived in Tennessee for a while or bought a home before, you likely know about pest inspections and wood-destroying insect reports. If this is your first time buying a home or if you're moving from a northern state where wood-destroying pests aren't a big problem, you might not know much about the process.
Why are these inspections so vital to a smooth home closing process? Because you don’t want any surprises. You wouldn’t buy a house without a home inspection. So, don’t skip the pest inspection either. Always have a licensed pest inspector check for issues first.
In Tennessee, wood-destroying pests are bound to get into your house. Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles are a few of the pests likely to invade and cause damage to a home. Most of the damage they cause is not visible, so it can go unnoticed for long periods.
When buying a home, you need a skilled expert to check for wood-destroying pests. They will see if these pests are active and if there’s any damage.
The benefit of having a wood-destroying insect inspection goes both ways. If wood-destroying pests are not found, you get to have peace of mind knowing that your house is in good condition. If wood-destroying pests are found, you know that you need to take some additional steps to get rid of the infestation and repair any damage.
It’s important to note that the presence of wood-destroying insects does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t buy the house. Active termites and other wood-damaging pests can be eliminated and new infestations can be prevented in the future. You will, however, want to take the next appropriate steps to determine the scope of the infestation and damage so you know how best to proceed.
Meet Anna Major from All-American Pest Control
Anna Major is All-American Pest Control’s Director of Operations. She manages everything about service and functionality at All-American. Right now, she oversees all service managers and the Operations Leadership Team.
As a longtime resident of Middle Tennessee, Anna understands firsthand the crucial role that pest control and pest inspections play in the home-buying process. In fact, her own experience can serve as a cautionary tale to anyone buying a home.
During a new build for her family, construction was delayed for months because of a change in the foreman. One delay caused another, leading to scheduling issues along the way. One of these was All-American Pest Control. They were set to do her home’s pre-construction termite treatment and inspection.
By the time our inspector arrived at the home site, just months later, termites had begun to move in. Anna knew a lot about termites. She understood that All-American's treatments would solve the problem quickly. This way, it wouldn't turn into a big issue or cause serious damage.
This shows how fast termites can invade a home. It also shows why a wood-destroying pest inspection is vital when buying or building a house. If Anna hadn't had the inspection, she might not have found out about the termites for years. This would have given those wood-destroying pests plenty of time to damage her new home.
A Local Real Estate Agent's Take
A great Realtor® is critical to a smooth home buying and closing experience. An experienced Realtor® like Ali Womack, Managing Broker for The Womack Team- simpliHOM, will guide you through buying a home. She'll recommend necessary inspections and help you arrange them with trusted professionals.
Ali suggests that home buyers get a wood-destroying insect inspection. This should be done even if your lender doesn’t require it. She says, “Having a professional inspection gives peace of mind, provides negotiation leverage if issues are found, and helps ensure the long-term integrity of the home. It’s a small investment that can prevent major headaches and expenses down the road.”
As a long-time Realtor®, Ali has firsthand experience with buyers who followed her recommendations and with those who didn’t. She shares this story to demonstrate the importance of a home pest inspection:
I was involved in a transaction where the buyer opted to skip the termite inspection to save time and money. Unfortunately, during a post-closing renovation, they uncovered extensive termite damage to the subflooring and support beams—damage that could have been discovered and addressed prior to closing had a proper WDI inspection been done. This turned into a costly and time-consuming repair, and it’s a lesson I always share with future clients. On the flip side, I’ve seen many transactions where a termite inspection revealed previous treatment and provided buyers with peace of mind, allowing the transaction to move forward smoothly with confidence.
By working with a licensed Realtor®, you can remain confident through the home buying process that every important step is covered.
Simple Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
If you are buying a home, whether it’s your first time or your tenth, keep the following recommendations in mind for a great home-closing experience:
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Choose an experienced realtor who understands all the steps to a smooth home-buying process.
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Always schedule a home pest inspection.
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Go over the inspection report with your pest inspector.
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Don’t panic if pest activity is discovered; it doesn’t have to kill the deal.
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Carefully consider your treatment and prevention options for wood-destroying pests.
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Implement a pest control plan to protect your house from the start.
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Enjoy your new home!
Contact All-American to Schedule Your Home Pest Inspection
If you’re buying or building a new home, do your due diligence by contacting All-American Pest Control for a wood-destroying insect inspection and report. We will carefully and thoroughly inspect the property to identify wood-destroying insect activity and damage.
Our licensed pest inspectors know how to spot issues. They provide the right documents and suggest the best treatment for your property. This way, you can feel secure. Contact us today to get started.
After buying your home, contact All-American Pest Control. They offer the best termite protection using the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System. Sentricon® is a non-invasive, eco-conscious, non-chemical baiting system that protects your home from termites 24/7. Our Certified Sentricon® Specialists will install and maintain your system, allowing you to enjoy your new home without worry of damage from termites.
Contact All-American to request your free termite evaluation.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation online.