Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw 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 typically combine a comprehensive outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on areas with wood or cellulose, potential termite entry points, and damp areas. They typically 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites successfully. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control 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 form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the professional may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspection company might suggest landscaping modifications or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some companies go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after 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: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem 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 invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. 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 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 word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.