Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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 specialists typically pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at humid spots, possible entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They may 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 identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting 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
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. Your inspector may advise structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Request these contracts 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: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting input from friends and neighbors can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.