Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an informed choice that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp areas, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest control company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw 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 changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those contracts 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting advice from friends and neighbors can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.