Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make a smart decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might entice 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 provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, 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 permeate the earth to form a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite infestation, the inspector may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some may insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repair. Get the contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pest control professionals in Kentucky must be licensed through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. You should also verify that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.