Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many exterminators offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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
Exterminators typically provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on areas that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They might inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If termites are detected in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding 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, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspector might recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain time frame after service. Some exterminators go a step further and provide repair warranties. These warranties 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: Request quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repairs. 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.