Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite inspectors typically pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they focus on wet spots, possible entryways, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist, too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the inspector may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could attract termites. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural alterations to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Addressing these issues will reduce your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to handle the termite problem if they come back within a certain period 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 happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those contracts in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pest control professionals in Minnesota should hold an applicator license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. It's also important to confirm that your provider is properly insured. Any technician who 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 get a sense of customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.