Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many exterminators offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
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 meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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 generally provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on locations that are damp 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
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a custom treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments 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 soak into the ground around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the professional may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspection company may advise landscape improvements or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and increase drainage. Addressing these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans lower the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those contracts 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: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting advice from friends and family can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.