Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than treating 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
Pest control specialists generally provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They may 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 an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspection company will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil 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 involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite problem, the company may advise a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at 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 inspection company may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting 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: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repair. 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.