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 solutions for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Exterminators usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. 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
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will create a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite infestation, the company may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some exterminators go a step further and offer 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: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repair. 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews from customers, and talk to friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.