Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet spots, 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
After confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will recommend a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to 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 advise landscaping changes or structural changes to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some exterminators take it a step further and provide repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those 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 that 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 talk to people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.