Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything touching the ground, 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, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may 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 finding an infestation, an inspection service will create a strategic treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the company may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector looks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could bring in termites. Your inspector may recommend structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. 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. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies 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 return within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more years of experience tend to handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Ask for these contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: In Arkansas, anyone who applies pesticides on someone else's property should have a commercial or limited commercial/public license. These licenses are handled by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Also ensure that your provider is properly insured. Any technician that 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 friends and neighbors can provide insight into the customer experience. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.