Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, 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
Termite companies usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they concentrate on damp areas, possible entry points, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. They may 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 confirming an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a tailored treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the company may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some exterminators go a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those policies 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting advice from family and friends can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.