Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
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 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 companies usually pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at wet areas, potential entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. 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 an infestation is discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites efficiently. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could attract termites. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural modifications to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens 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 assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More years in the field usually results in more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the contracts in print 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 that applies 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 service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.