Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make a smart decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors checking for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 generally offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They may check 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 found, your pest control professional will propose a personalized treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the professional may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector searches for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping modifications or structural modifications to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will 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 take it a step further and offer 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
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those 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. Anyone who 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 service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.