Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks 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
Exterminators usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might inspect 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 found, your pest control professional will propose a strategic treatment schedule to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite infestation, the pest professional might recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could draw termites. The inspection company may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With 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 lessen the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals 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 period of time after service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some may need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- 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: Pesticide applicators in Massachusetts need a commercial applicator license or certification from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. You should also confirm that the company is properly insured. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.