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 companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections 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 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 typically offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to create a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the inspector may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. Your inspector may suggest structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more 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 fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the policies 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: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting input from friends and neighbors can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.