Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, 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
Termite companies usually provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They might 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 inspectors find termites in your home, they'll suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite problem, the company may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspector may propose landscaping changes or structural alterations to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will reduce your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. The technician will also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans decrease 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 specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties 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. 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 online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.