Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior 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
Exterminators often pair a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors focus on areas with wood or cellulose, damp areas, and potential termite entry points. 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 termites are detected in your house, the inspector will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite problem, the inspector may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive 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 attract termites. The inspection company may recommend landscaping or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues decreases the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to stay effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its knowledge and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from friends and family can provide insight into the customer experience. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.