Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could lure 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, specialists typically pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may examine the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the pest control company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could draw termites. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural alterations to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those policies 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: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting advice from friends and family can offer insight into customer service. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.