Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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
Termite inspectors usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they look at damp spots, possible entryways, and areas with wood or cellulose materials. They might examine 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 recommend a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite problem, the inspector may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspection company may recommend landscaping modifications or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues decreases the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the 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: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from family and friends can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.