Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine 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 specialists often pair a comprehensive outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors look at potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They often 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 tailored treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite infestation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could attract termites. Your inspector may advise structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lessen the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for selecting 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 knowledge and expertise. Providers with more industry experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews from customers, and ask family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.