A CL-100 termite and pest inspection is used to identify, document, and advise property owners on wood-destroying pests that may have damaged, or have the potential to damage, a home or other building. A CL-100 report is issued after a professional inspection and can help provide peace of mind that the structure you are considering purchasing is free of damage caused by household pests.
What Does CL-100 Stand For?
CL-100 stands for Certificate of Inspection – Termite and Wood Destroying Organisms, commonly called a termite letter. This is a termite and pest inspection certificate required by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to clear a property of wood-destroying insects on residential, commercial, and multifamily real estate transactions. The inspection is required before the sale of a property to assure buyers that the property is free of termite infestations. Additionally, Lenders often require this type of inspection before approving a loan.
What Types of Pests or Insects Are Covered in a CL-100 Inspection?
The CL-100 inspection covers several types of wood-destroying organisms (WDO) and pests. Common insects covered in this inspection include carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, termites, and wood-destroying fungi. The inspector also checks for rodents and other pests like spiders, roaches, and mites. The inspector will look for signs of infestation or damage caused by these pests and conditions that could create an ideal environment for them to thrive.
What Does the CL-100 Inspection Involve?
The CL-100 termite and pest inspection thoroughly examines the entire property and its surroundings. The inspector will look in all accessible areas of the house and property, including attics, basements, crawl spaces, around windows and door frames, and behind the wood siding.
The inspector may use various tools and techniques to check for signs of infestation, such as probing with a screwdriver or using a moisture meter to detect dampness. They may also drill small holes into wood surfaces to uncover any hidden damage from the inside out.
If any evidence of activity or damage is found during the inspection, the inspector will document it in their report. This includes any past evidence of treatment or repairs done before their visit.
Are There Any Areas That Can’t be Inspected?
Unfortunately, there are certain areas that an inspector cannot include during a CL-100 inspection. The CL-100 does not include checking for toxic mold, radon gas, or carbon monoxide. The CL-100 does not include an inspection or treatment for dry wood termites. If these areas are suspected of containing evidence of activity or damage from wood-damaging pests or organisms, the inspector will suggest further assessment before making any recommendations regarding treatment or repairs.
What Does a CL-100 Report Include?
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will generate a detailed report based on their findings. The report generally includes information about current and previous infestations, the types of pests identified during the inspection, detailed descriptions of any observed damage, and recommendations for treatment or repairs if necessary. The report also contains a summary section, which states whether the property is free from infestations or evidence of damage caused by wood-destroying pests.
Who pays for CL100 in SC?
In South Carolina, the person responsible for paying for a CL100 termite and pest inspection is typically the home seller. This inspection is carried out by a professional pest control company that will inspect for evidence of active infestation or damage from pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying bugs. The inspection cost varies depending on the size of the home but usually ranges from $120-$200. The seller is responsible for covering this cost unless there is an agreement between the buyer and seller stating otherwise.
Why is the CL-100 Termite and Pest Inspection important?
There are several benefits to having a CL-100 (Termite and Pest Inspection) performed.
Early Detection
Inspection can help detect early signs of a pest infestation before they become serious problems. This is especially important because some pests, such as termites, can cause significant structural damage if not detected and treated promptly. The inspection results may also reveal areas of the property that are more susceptible to infestation and guide how to protect them.
Peace of Mind
By providing a detailed assessment of current pest populations, the report can give property owners peace of mind that their property is free from residential and commercial pests. For investors and buyers of a home or business, this inspection can provide reassurance that their investment is sound. In addition, the report can assist potential homeowners in making an informed decision about whether to complete a purchase or not.
Cost Savings
An inspection can be a great cost-saving tool for homeowners because it allows them to identify potential problems before they become more costly repairs down the road. In addition, it identifies areas that may need preventative measures, such as proper drainage around the home to reduce the chance of future infestations.
Professional Advice
The report can provide professional advice on how best to resolve any issues identified during the inspection, such as what type of chemical treatments may be needed or what types of preventive measures may be necessary to protect against future infestations.
Accountability
A detailed inspection report ensures that homeowners are aware of any issues on their property, allowing them to take necessary steps before they become more expensive repairs. In addition, it provides third-party verification that the homeowner is actively taking steps to protect their investment and ensure their home remains safe from pests.
Maintenance Tracking
The report provides a convenient way to track when certain treatments were last completed or when repairs were made to ensure that they are up-to-date and properly maintained. This allows property owners to conveniently keep accurate records on treatments or repairs performed to protect their investments.
Conclusion
A CL-100 termite and pest inspection can give peace of mind when buying a home or other building by assessing potential wood-damaging pests such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powderpost beetles, and fungi. The inspection involves examining all accessible areas, including attics and basements, and looking for visible signs of infestations or damage caused by these pests. Once the inspection is complete, a detailed report will be generated, including information about current and previous infestation history and any recommendations for treatment or repairs if needed. Contact for more information.
