Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything touching the ground, 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
Pest control specialists typically offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. 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
After finding an infestation, an inspector will recommend a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite problem, the company may suggest a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural changes to enhance drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many pest control providers 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. A professional will also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers include 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 given time period after service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. 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. Anyone who applies 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. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.