Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 specialists typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they concentrate on damp areas, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. 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
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a tailored treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite infestation, the professional may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess 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 improvements or structural changes to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may 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 look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some exterminators go a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repair. Get the contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in Indiana must pass a series of exams in order to receive a license from the Office of Indiana State Chemist. Always check that a company is insured in addition to being licensed. 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 friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.