Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, 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
When evaluating for termites, specialists typically pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp areas, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may recommend landscaping modifications or structural alterations to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest professionals take it a step further and provide 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
There are several key considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repairs. Get 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 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 quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.