Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will meticulously check over 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 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 typically offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. 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 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. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest professional might recommend a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspection company may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and enhance drainage. Fixing these issues decreases the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some may need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the contracts 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online customer reviews, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.