Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could attract 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
Exterminators often pair a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on areas with wood or cellulose, damp areas, and potential termite entry points. They typically look at 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, a pest control professional will create a tailored treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the professional may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspection company may advise landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repairs. Get the agreements 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.