Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an educated selection that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite problem 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
Exterminators generally offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on areas that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite infestation, the company may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping modifications or structural alterations to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to 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: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online customer reviews, and ask family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.