Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an informed choice that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a better option than only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that 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. Indoors, they look at damp areas, possible entryways, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 termites are detected in your home, your inspector will recommend a personalized treatment schedule to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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 home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, 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 infestation, the pest professional might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping improvements or structural changes to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can usually handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies in black and white for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: A professional pesticide applicator in Colorado should hold either a commercial or limited commercial/public applicator licenses from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Always ensure that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.