Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, inspectors 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 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 companies usually pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at humid spots, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. 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 discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil 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 involves vacating your home, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the inspection company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could draw termites. Your inspector may advise structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers 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 any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might need to complete an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer warranties or guarantees including reservice and repairs. Get these 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.