Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil 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
Termite companies usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet spots, potential entry points, and places with wood or cellulose materials. They might examine 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 inspector will suggest a customized treatment schedule to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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 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 fix your current termite situation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural modifications to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following factors when selecting 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: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the policies in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pest control professionals in Kansas should have a commercial certified license from the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Also make sure any company you hire is properly insured. 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. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.