Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments for continuous coverage, and this may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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 offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They might 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 house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the professional may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. Your inspector may suggest structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lessen the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some may insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies in writing 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.