Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect 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
Exterminators often pair a complete outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 confirming an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a tailored treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite issue, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. Your inspector may recommend structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lessen the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners must consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to assess your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more industry experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repairs. Get the policies 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 uses 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 review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.