Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that 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
When evaluating for termites, companies often pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection focuses on damp spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate 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 liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite infestation, the inspector may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. Your inspector may recommend structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain time frame after service. Some companies take it 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
Make sure to consider the following key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that cover 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 applies 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 talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.