Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum coverage. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could attract 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 provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to 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 verifying an infestation, an inspection service will propose a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents 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. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the company may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspection company may recommend landscaping or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and increase drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some may need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its knowledge and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Get these 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. Any technician that uses 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, check online customer reviews, and talk to friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.