Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Exterminators typically combine an outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors focus on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They usually look at 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 propose a tailored treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite issue, the inspector may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural alterations to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves switching out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience tend to handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the agreements 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. Any technician that uses 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 great service overall.