Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
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
Pest control specialists usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on areas that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They may 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 identified in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the company may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some companies take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more industry experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those agreements 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online customer reviews, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.