By Jim Eschle Pest Management Consultant

One of the most important steps, when purchasing a property in Hawaii is the Termite Inspection Report or "TIR" which follows Hawaii State guidelines. The typical real estate contract and virtually all lending institutions require an inspection by a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, the TIR, although regulated by state law, is not a legal requirement in the purchase of real estate in Hawaii.

You are planning a move to Hawaii. You should know about one of the unique insect problems associated with living in Hawaii--the Formosan Subterranean termite. This underground termite is renowned for its ability to cause extensive damage in a short period. The Formosan can be difficult to detect when present in a home, and infestations can be difficult to eliminate. When applicable, the TIR can help you understand present, past, and potential problems with respect to this destructive pest.

While termite concerns are almost universal in Hawaii, they are more serious in townhouses and single family residences of wood construction. Brick, block, and concrete buildings, including condominiums are, of course, more immune to termite problems--but wooden aspects of these structures are subject to damage as well. Furthermore, it is important to understand that concrete hollow tile, while itself impervious to subterranean termites, may provide a conduit for the safe and undetectable passage of termites in its central, damp hollow core.

Not only do you need to know if a property you wish to purchase has active infestation, you also need to know about the termite history of the property. Has it been chemically treated, and if so, when and by whom? Was this only preventative, or have there been infestations, and where? Was there damage? If so, was it repaired? Knowledge of a previous infestation can point you to present, unseen damage inside double walls or other inaccessible areas.

A TIR will also tell you about the structure itself and if there are conducive conditions--conditions, which encourage termites, even when they are not present. These characteristics make the structure susceptible to infestation by Subterranean termites, prevent early detection of infestations, or make control difficult when infestations do occur. When conducive conditions are found, they should be immediately corrected. Among the most common conducive conditions are hollow block foundations, hollow block retaining walls, and exterior "below grade" stucco. In these types of construction, Subterranean termites can enter a structure undetected. Because the termite point of entry is often inaccessible to the inspector or treatment mode, conventional chemical treatment can be ineffective in controlling or preventing infestation.

Not long ago, I served as a consultant in a case involving Formosan termites. The potential buyer was in such a hurry to close the deal he refused to take the time for a Termite Inspection Report. Acting on what I would consider unsound advice on the part of both the buyer and seller, the house was sold without a TIR. Soon after taking possession, the new owner discovered a live infestation of Subterranean termites and extensive termite damages that would have been discernable with a proper inspection. A large part of the damage was under the house, and in the other, more accessible or visible areas, the damage had been painted over and not obvious to the untrained eye (see elsewhere in this site for information about seller responsibilities in disclosure). In my opinion, most of the damage would have been detected and reported to the buyer through a professional termite inspection before closing of the sale.

Finding termites in Hawaii homes is a common fact. Many preventive measures can keep your home free of these pests. Mr. Patton suggests that, except under unusual circumstances, a buyer or seller should not waive a termite inspection report, even in a concrete condominium, let alone a wooden single family dwelling. I agree with this. The cost of the TIR is modest and usually borne by the seller. The TIR not only gives peace of mind to all parties. It also allows for discovery and resolution of problems now, when they should be--not after the close of the sale.