Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground 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
Termite specialists usually pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at wet areas, possible entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. They may examine 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 inspection company will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the inspector may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things on your property that could attract termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves changing 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
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repair. Get the 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 uses 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 get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.