Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could draw 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 often pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere 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 inspectors find termites in your home, they'll recommend a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods 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 introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may recommend landscaping modifications or structural alterations to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often include 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 offer repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the policies 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.