What You Need to Know
Buying a home with a VA loan here in Southern Utah is exciting but it can also feel like a whirlwind of paperwork, deadlines, and inspections. In the middle of all that, there’s one step you don’t want to overlook: the termite inspection. Think of it as your home’s first health check-up required by law and designed to protect your investment from one of nature’s most destructive (and sneakiest) pests.
Why Termite Inspections Are Required for VA Loans
Utah law requires all VA loan properties to be inspected for wood-destroying insects before the sale is finalized. This requirement is in place to protect both the buyer and the lender. For buyers, it ensures you aren’t unknowingly purchasing a home with hidden structural problems that could cost thousands to repair. For lenders, it safeguards the investment they’re helping to finance. Termites and other pests can silently weaken the frame of a house, compromise safety, and significantly reduce property value. Your loan officer can walk you through the official requirements, but the takeaway is simple: without a completed termite inspection report, your VA loan can’t close.
Why Termites Are a Serious Threat in Southern Utah
In our dry, desert climate, people sometimes assume termites aren’t a problem. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Subterranean termites are alive and well here in Southern Utah and they’re hungry. VA loan inspections don’t just check for termites either; they also cover other wood-destroying pests like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and certain beetles. These insects can tunnel through and damage the wooden structures in your home just as effectively as termites.
These pests feed or burrow 24/7, chewing through the structural wood of your home from the inside out. Because they work quietly and often out of sight, it can take years to notice them and by then, the damage can be costly.
Common signs of wood-destroying pest activity include:
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Mud tubes along the foundation (termites)
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Cracked or bubbling paint that mimics water damage
- Small, perfectly round exit holes in wood (beetles)
- Sawdust-like frass near wooden beams (carpenter ants or bees)
Left unchecked, these pests can weaken floors, walls, roof supports, and more sometimes to the point of making a home unsafe to live in.
How the VA Loan Termite Inspection Works
- Schedule the inspection early – The earlier you book, the less chance your loan process gets delayed.
- Licensed inspector visit – At Newby’s, we perform a thorough check for termites and other wood-destroying insects inside, outside, and around the property.
- Report sent quickly – Once the inspection is complete, we send the documentation to you and your lender quickly so the loan process can move forward without a hitch.
- Treatment if needed – If we find signs of activity, we can outline treatment options right away so the issue can be resolved before closing.
Why Work with Newby’s Pest • Lawn • Weeds
We’re not just licensed and local, we’re experienced in VA loan inspections across Southern Utah, from St. George to Cedar City to Kanab. We understand that when you’re buying a home, time matters. That’s why we make it a priority to get inspections done promptly and reports delivered fast, without sacrificing thoroughness.
We’re also your neighbors. We know the types of pests in our region, the damage they cause, and the best ways to stop them. Our goal is to make sure your new home is safe, sound, and ready for you to move in with peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
If you’re buying with a VA loan in Southern Utah, a termite inspection isn’t just a box to check, it’s a smart move to protect your home and your budget. Termites can cause serious damage, but with Newby’s on your side, you can be confident your inspection will be handled quickly, professionally, and thoroughly.
Need a VA Loan Termite Inspection? Contact Newby’s Pest • Lawn • Weeds today, schedule online in just a few clicks, and let’s get your inspection on the books.
