Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer 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
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw 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 usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on areas that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They may check 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 pest control provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite situation, the pest control company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector searches for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could attract termites. The inspector may recommend landscaping modifications or structural alterations to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.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 monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing 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
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some may insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repair. Get the agreements 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.