Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make a smart decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to 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
Exterminators often pair a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on areas with wood or cellulose, damp areas, and potential termite entry points. They typically 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
After confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will create a strategic treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural modifications to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repair. Get the policies in writing 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.