Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might 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 come into contact with the ground, 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 specialists typically combine a complete outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on damp areas, areas with wood or cellulose, and potential termite entry points. 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
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites successfully. 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 soak into the ground to create a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies in black and white for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in Connecticut need a pesticide applicator certificate from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment. Professional applicators should hold either a supervisory or operational certificate. You should also verify 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: 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 excellent service overall.