Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, 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
When evaluating for termites, professionals typically pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might 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 discovered in your house, the inspection company will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist, too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods 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 requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the pest control company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping 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 termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to address the termite issue if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some exterminators go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for 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: Obtain quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Get these contracts 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 who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and talk to people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.