Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could 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
Termite companies typically pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they look at humid spots, potential entryways, and places 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
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite problem, the pest professional might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could draw termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans lower the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer warranties or guarantees including reservice and repairs. Request 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: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.