Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home 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 companies generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on damp areas, potential entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, a pest control professional will recommend a tailored treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as 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, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the inspector may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. Your inspector may recommend structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lessen the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs 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 choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Providers with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who offer guarantees or warranties including reservice and repairs. Ask for these 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: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.