Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many exterminators offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
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 meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Pest control specialists usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. 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
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will create a custom treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the company may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural modifications to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those policies in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in Iowa must hold an applicator license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship. You should also verify that any provider you hire is properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.