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 providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 specialists generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at wet spots, possible entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspection company will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as 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. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite issue, the inspector may suggest a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company might suggest landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues lowers the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the policies in print 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 review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.