Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could lure 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
When evaluating for termites, professionals often pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may examine 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 eliminate the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as 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 encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite infestation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include warranties or guarantees including reservice and repair. Ask for these agreements 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.