Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could draw 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, companies often pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
If termites are detected in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove 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 chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to form a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the inspection company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest professionals go 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 a number of key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more industry experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. Get these 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: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting advice from friends and neighbors can offer insight into customer service. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.