Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an informed choice that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, 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, professionals typically pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will propose a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite issue, the pest professional might propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural modifications to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will reduce your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for 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 companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair 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: Get quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More years in the field usually results in more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: The Environmental Services Section of the Arizona Department of Agriculture handles pest control licensing in the state. There are a variety of subtypes and specializations available. Also ensure that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.