Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make a smart decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a better option than only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting 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 usually pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet spots, potential entry points, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to remove the termites efficiently. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest 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 create a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite infestation, the inspector may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may propose landscaping modifications or structural modifications to enhance drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with 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 come back within a certain period of time after service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More years in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that include guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Request these contracts 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.