Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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, professionals often pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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 an infestation is found, your inspector will recommend a personalized treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural alterations to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those 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 applies 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, and talk to friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.