Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine 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
Exterminators typically provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to 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 identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological 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, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural alterations to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually results in more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include warranties or guarantees including reservice and repairs. Ask for these 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: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.