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 companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks 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 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
Exterminators usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might 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 an infestation is found, your pest control professional will propose a personalized treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest control company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections check potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things on your property that could attract termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves switching out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.