Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum coverage. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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 often pair an outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They often look at 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 an effective treatment plan to get rid of the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite infestation, the professional may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some companies go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing 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: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those contracts in print 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.