Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an informed choice that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw 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 generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they look at damp areas, potential entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. They may 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 an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest control company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess 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 modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. 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 several important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. 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: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting advice from family and friends can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.