Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an informed choice that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, 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, specialists typically pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid spots, 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
If an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to remove the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite problem, the professional may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those policies 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 advice from family and friends can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.