Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will carefully inspect 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 attract 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 a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on humid areas, possible entry points, and places with wood or cellulose materials. They might inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If termites are detected in your home, your pest control professional will recommend a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite infestation, the pest professional might propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may recommend landscaping improvements or structural modifications to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. 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
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience tend to handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that include 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 neighbors can offer insight into the customer experience. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.