Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make a smart decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could lure 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 provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They might 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 propose a custom treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite problem, the pest professional might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could attract termites. The inspection company may recommend landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and increase drainage. Addressing these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some may insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those 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 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 advice from family and friends can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.