Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 specialists often pair a complete outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors look at potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They usually look at 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 pest control company will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural changes to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repair. Get the agreements in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your pest control provider should hold a ground owner-operator license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. (Some providers may also hold an aerial owner-operator license.) This license can come with or without a phenoxy endorsement, depending on the type of pesticides a company uses. Always verify that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.