Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum protection. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will thoroughly examine 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 lure 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
Exterminators typically offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the inspector may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspection company might suggest landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues decreases the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the agreements in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: All professional pesticide applicators in Nebraska must be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Also verify that any provider you hire is properly licensed. Anyone who uses 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 ask family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.