Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 detailed interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, a pest control professional will propose a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as 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 you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators go 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
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those policies in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in Missouri must be licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. To obtain a license, an individual must complete a training program and submit proof of financial responsibility. You should also make sure your provider is properly insured. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.