Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make a smart decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite problem once.
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 draw 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 companies generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they concentrate on wet spots, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. 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
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will create a custom treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates 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 these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the inspector may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. Your inspector may advise structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These cover costs to fix 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 companies. 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 reliability and expertise. Providers with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the policies in print 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting advice from friends and family can provide insight into the customer experience. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.