Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything meeting the earth, 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
Pest control specialists usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. 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 termites are detected 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. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to form a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite infestation, the inspector may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections evaluate potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspection company may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and increase drainage. Taking care of these issues decreases the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators go a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those 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: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.