Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could attract 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
Exterminators typically combine a comprehensive outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They typically 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 confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will recommend a custom treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite infestation, the inspector may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections look at potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping changes or structural changes to enhance drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace 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 inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repairs. Get the policies in print 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 online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.