Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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
Termite inspectors usually pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at damp areas, possible entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 an effective treatment plan to get rid of 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 common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. 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 situation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties including reservice and repairs. Get these agreements in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your pest control professional should hold a pesticide applicator certification from the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Also confirm that your provider is properly insured. Any technician that uses 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 online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.