Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum coverage. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could lure 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
Pest control companies often pair a comprehensive outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. They usually 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 an infestation is found, your pest control professional will propose a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. 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 create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural modifications to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repair. Get the contracts in writing 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: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.