Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything meeting the earth, 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
When evaluating for termites, professionals often pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will propose a custom treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the company may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look 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 need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain time frame after service. Some exterminators take it a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience usually resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the agreements in black and white 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: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.