Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite companies usually pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet areas, potential entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. They may inspect 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 pest control provider 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. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. 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 fix your current termite situation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. The inspection company may recommend landscaping modifications or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators go a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties including reservice and repairs. 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. Any technician that 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 word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.