Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior 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
Exterminators often pair a comprehensive outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors focus on potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 infestation is found, your inspector will propose a personalized treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the professional may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could draw termites. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural modifications to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans lower the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain time frame after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and neighbors can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.