Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make a smart decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine structures meeting the soil, 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection focuses on damp spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. 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 fix your current termite situation, 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 check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company may advise landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and enhance drainage. Addressing these issues reduces the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the policies in black and white 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: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.