Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will carefully inspect 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 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 provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. 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
After verifying an infestation, an inspector will create a custom treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. 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, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the company may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract 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 changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Providers with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Request these policies in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issues both public and commercial pesticide applicator licenses for professional pest experts. To obtain a license, an individual must have a certain level of experience or pass an exam. You should also verify that the company is properly insured. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.