Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite problem 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
Exterminators typically provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. 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 inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite infestation, the pest professional might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector searches for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can indicate its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the policies in black and white 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: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and talk to friends and family for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.