Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make a smart decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a better option than only treating your termite problem once.
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 lure 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 inspectors generally pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they concentrate on damp spots, potential entry points, and locations with wood or cellulose. 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 customized treatment plan to remove the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your home. 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 deal with your existing termite issue, the company may advise a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspection company may advise landscape improvements or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues decreases the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those contracts in print 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: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and family can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.