Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors checking for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might entice 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 usually pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet areas, potential entry points, and locations with wood or cellulose. They might 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 discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents 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 involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the company may advise a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural alterations to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers 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 exterminators take it a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to 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. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Positive customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.