Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that 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 typically pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
After finding an infestation, an inspector will create a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the company may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural alterations to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer 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 companies go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners must consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those agreements in print 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.