Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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 typically pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp areas, possible 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 discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to form a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look 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
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field usually results in more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that encompass 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. 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 customer reviews, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.