Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum coverage. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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, professionals generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet areas, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may check 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 infestation is identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite infestation, the professional may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals 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 companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repair. 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: 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 service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.