Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will be on the lookout 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 entice 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 an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on damp spots, potential entry points, and areas 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, they'll suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check 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. Your inspector may advise structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those contracts in print 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: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.