Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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
Termite companies typically offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. 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 customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the pest control company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could bring in termites. Your inspector may advise structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lessen the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require 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, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repair. Get the policies 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 that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from family and friends can provide insight into customer service. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.