Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, 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
Exterminators typically combine a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors look at potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They usually look at the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, an inspector will propose a custom treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things on your property that could draw termites. Your inspector may recommend structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any 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 companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its reliability and expertise. More years in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer warranties or guarantees including reservice and repairs. Get these agreements in writing 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and ask family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.