Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in termites, such as the following- Cracks in expansion joints
- Deadwood
- Firewood stacks
- Pooling water around the foundation
- Standing water on the roof
- Wood mulch close to the foundation
- Wooden deck supports
- Wooden fences
Interior Inspection
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on damp spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will propose a custom treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspector may recommend landscaping improvements or structural alterations to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repair. Get the contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries regulates pest control providers in the state. Pesticide applicators should have a commercial applicator permit as well as a business license. You should also ensure that your provider is properly insured. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and neighbors can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.