Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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, specialists typically pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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 infestation is discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest control company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With 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 required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repairs. Ask for these policies in writing 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 that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.