Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, trained professionals 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 attract 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 inspectors generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on humid areas, potential entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. 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, a pest control professional will propose a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the inspector may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for 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: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. Request these 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online customer reviews, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.