Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum security. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground 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 provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on areas that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to 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, a pest control professional will create a custom treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, 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 decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide 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 take it a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three companies. 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 indicate its knowledge and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.