Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive care for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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 typically offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as 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 termites are detected in your home, your inspector will recommend a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite infestation, the inspector may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. 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. 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 top-notch service overall.