Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
When evaluating for termites, specialists generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may check 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, the company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite infestation, the inspector might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural changes to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to handle the termite problem if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those agreements in print 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. Any technician who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and get advice from friends and family to obtain insight into the customer experience with a certain company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.