Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may 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 in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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 specialists generally pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet spots, potential entry points, and locations 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
If inspectors find termites in your home, they'll suggest a customized treatment schedule to get rid of the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite situation, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspector may recommend landscaping modifications or structural modifications to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those agreements in print 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. 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 personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.