Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert 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 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 generally 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 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 inspector 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. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the inspection company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience tend to handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those policies 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.