Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual inspections paired with preventive care for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth 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, professionals often pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If termites are detected in your home, your pest control professional will recommend a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form 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, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite situation, the pest control company might recommend a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural changes to enhance drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the agreements 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. Any technician that 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, read online customer reviews, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.