Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive solutions for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations 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 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 specialists usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they look at wet areas, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After finding an infestation, an inspector will create a custom treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals 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 soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural modifications to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing 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
Termite inspection providers often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field usually results in more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from friends and neighbors can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.