Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many exterminators offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite specialists often pair a complete outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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
If inspectors find termites in your home, they'll suggest a personalized treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your house. 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 seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the company may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search 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 need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on 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 certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to 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 uses 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 talk to people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.