Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything touching the ground, 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 companies usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on damp areas, potential entryways, and areas 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 infestation is identified in your house, the inspector will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite infestation, the professional may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural modifications to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.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 yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several key considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Request these policies in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Any professional who applies pesticides in Michigan must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. You should also verify that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.