Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many exterminators offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might entice 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
Pest control specialists generally provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They may examine the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, an inspector will propose a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as 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 you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. Your inspector may suggest structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lessen the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that include warranties or guarantees including reservice and repair. Get 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.