Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an informed choice that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could draw 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, companies often pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might examine 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 found, your pest control professional will recommend a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite issue, the company may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspection company may recommend landscape improvements or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues decreases the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to handle the termite problem if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after 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: A company’s time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.