Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum security. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, 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
Termite specialists often pair an outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors concentrate on damp areas, potential termite entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They often 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
If inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the company will suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. 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 address your current termite problem, the inspection company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could attract termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time 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 includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Providers with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repair. Get the contracts 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.