Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make a smart decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite companies generally pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on humid areas, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. They may 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 suggest a personalized treatment schedule to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite problem, the inspector may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess 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 propose landscaping improvements or structural modifications to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those 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: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.