Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an informed choice that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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 usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on places that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential 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
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will create a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest professional might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could draw termites. Your inspector may advise structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lessen the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to stay effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Ask for these 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. 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, perusing online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and neighbors can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.