Termite Inspection Services, Including VA, FHA & Freddie Mac Loans

Termites in Wisconsin are almost always eastern subterranean termites that live underground and reach your home through hidden mud tubes. Our termite inspections are designed to find those tubes, trace activity, and look for structural wood damage before it becomes a bigger issue.

We perform termite inspections for both homes and businesses throughout Southeastern and South Central Wisconsin. During an inspection, we check foundations, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and accessible wood structures for signs of termite swarmers, discarded wings, damaged wood, and moisture conditions that attract colonies.

Loan Termite Inspections & NPMA-33 Forms

If you are buying, selling, or refinancing a property, we can handle the termite inspection your lender requires. We perform VA loan termite inspections in Wisconsin, as well as inspections for FHA and Freddie Mac loans, and we know how important timing is when you are under contract.

Our 7.3-certified technicians complete the NPMA-33 wood destroying insect report on-site, so you do not have to wait days for paperwork. In many cases, we can deliver the completed NPMA-33 form the same day as the inspection, which helps keep your loan process moving.

We have documented feedback from customers who called us for a VA loan refinance after trying two national companies first. In that review, we had a certified technician on-site within a few days and got the inspection done in time to meet their deadline.

For new construction or additions, we can also perform termite pre-applications as part of a termite pre-treatment plan, helping you start off with a protective barrier in place.

Termite Treatment Options For Active Infestations

If we confirm termite activity, we walk you through what we found and recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation, the way your property is built, and current conditions around the structure. Treatment choices are never one-size-fits-all.

For less severe infestations, we may apply a chemical treatment around the perimeter of the home to repel termites and help break their access routes. For more severe termite problems, we can arrange full remediation and, when needed, coordinate restoration of damaged areas so you are not left wondering what to do next.

Our licensed pest specialists explain each step before we start, answer your questions, and outline what you can expect after treatment. Catching and treating termites early can help reduce structural damage and future repair costs, so it is always better to call as soon as you suspect a problem.

Signs Of Termites In Southeastern Wisconsin

The eastern subterranean termite is the primary termite species in Wisconsin, and it behaves differently than pests like carpenter ants. These termites live in underground colonies and travel to wood through sheltered mud tubes, which are often the first visible sign homeowners notice.

In our area, eastern subterranean termites usually swarm during daylight hours in spring. You might see winged termite swarmers around windows, doors, or light sources, then find piles of discarded wings afterward.

Common warning signs of termite activity include:

• Winged swarmers inside or around the home, plus discarded wings on sills or floors.
• Mud tubes on foundation walls, support piers, or in crawl spaces.
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or that looks blistered or layered.
• Damage that looks like water issues, such as buckling floors or swollen wood.
• Windows and doors that suddenly stick or become hard to open without a clear cause.

Termite workers are small, creamy, and translucent, usually about 1/8 to 3/8 inches long with no wings, while soldiers have darker heads with large mandibles. Because colonies can stay hidden in walls, floor systems, and framing for years, any suspicious signs are a good reason to schedule a professional termite inspection.

Why Termites Are A Real Concern In Wisconsin

Many people think of termites as a warm-climate problem, but eastern subterranean termites are native to Wisconsin and actively infest homes and businesses here. While our state has traditionally been considered lower risk than the South, that has been changing.

Invasive termite species have started appearing in the Wisconsin area through landscape timbers and garden mulch, and warmer temperature trends are allowing termites that previously could not survive our winters to inhabit the region year-round. That combination makes termite control an important part of protecting property in the greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin area.

Termite damage usually builds up slowly and quietly. By the time obvious signs appear, repair costs can be significant. Since most homeowner insurance policies do not cover termite damage, the cost of structural repairs often falls entirely on the property owner. Professional termite inspection and treatment are one of the few tools you have to stay ahead of that risk.

Termite FAQs For Wisconsin Homeowners

How Does Safeway Pest Management Handle Loan Termite Inspections?

We perform NPMA-33 inspections for VA, FHA, and Freddie Mac loans throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Our technicians hold the 7.3 termite certification required to complete these reports, and we know the timelines lenders work with. We schedule the inspection, complete the on-site evaluation, and provide the NPMA-33 wood destroying insect report your lender needs to move the loan forward.

How Can I Tell Termites From Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are the pest most often confused with termites here. Carpenter ants have bent, elbowed antennae, a clearly pinched waist, and wings of unequal length. Termites have straight antennae, a thicker, more uniform waist, and two pairs of equal-length wings. If you are unsure, save a sample if you can and we can identify it during your inspection.

When Are Termites Most Active In Wisconsin?

Subterranean termites can feed and cause damage all year, as long as they have moisture and protection from freezing temperatures. In Wisconsin, swarming season is usually in spring, which is when many homeowners first notice a problem because swarmers appear indoors or around the foundation. Even if you only see activity once, it is worth having a closer look.

What Can I Do To Help Prevent Termites Around My Home?

We always share prevention recommendations during and after a service visit. Some of the most effective steps include:

• Keeping water from collecting near the foundation.
• Maintaining gutters and downspouts so they drain away from the house.
• Storing firewood and wood debris away from exterior walls.
• Avoiding direct wood-to-soil contact on decks, steps, and siding.
• Maintaining about a one-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of the home.
• Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation where termites and moisture can enter.

Every property is different, so we tailor our suggestions to what we see at your home or business.

Call Safeway Pest Management at (262) 683-5124 today to schedule your termite inspection or discuss treatment options with a licensed technician.