Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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 typically combine an outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors look at damp areas, potential termite entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspection company will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to get rid of the termites successfully. Nontoxic options 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 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. 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 manage your current termite problem, the inspection company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those contracts in writing 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. Anyone who uses 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, perusing online reviews, and getting input from friends and family can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.