Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum coverage. This may be a better option than 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 examine structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could 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
Termite specialists usually pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they focus on damp areas, possible entry points, 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 termites are detected in your house, the inspector will suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural alterations to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for 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 offer repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More years in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. Ask for these policies 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. 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, reading online reviews, and getting advice from family and friends can offer insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.