Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could lure 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 generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
If an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite problem, the pest professional might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. Your inspector may recommend structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.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 yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. 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 decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some exterminators go a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: In Idaho, pesticide applicators must hold a professional applicator's license from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Always verify that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who applies 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 reviews, and talk to friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.