Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum security. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite inspectors generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they focus on wet spots, potential entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. They might 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 infestation is identified in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest professional might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain 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 company's history often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those policies in print 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. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.