Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide 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 may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Termite specialists often pair a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors focus on damp areas, potential termite entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They usually look at 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, a pest control professional will propose a custom treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as 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 gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the company may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may recommend landscaping improvements or structural changes to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest professionals take it a step further and offer 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
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include warranties or guarantees including reservice and repair. Ask for these agreements in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in California must hold either a qualified applicator license or certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. You should also always ensure that your provider carries proper insurance. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.