Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on 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 humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If an infestation is found, your pest control professional will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to create a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest 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 draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. Your inspector may suggest structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will lessen the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of additional appointments to tackle the termite infestation should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its dependability and skill. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the policies 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. Any technician who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, peruse online reviews, and get recommendations from friends and neighbors to obtain insight into how customers feel about a company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.