Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum coverage. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw 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 offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They may check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If termites are detected in your house, the inspector will suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of 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. 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 get rid of your termite infestation, the professional may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. Your inspector may suggest structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower the likelihood of another 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 annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some companies go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the 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 ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.