Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many exterminators offer annual assessments paired with preventive care 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 inspect structures touching the ground, 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 inspectors typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet areas, potential entry points, and places with wood or cellulose materials. They might examine the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a custom treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite infestation, the professional may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things on your property that could attract termites. The inspection company might suggest landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues lowers the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves switching out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often 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 return within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some may insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience usually resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repairs. Get the contracts 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 applies 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 quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.