Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground 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
When evaluating for termites, companies typically pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may examine 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 inspector will recommend a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite problem, the professional may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Providers with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those policies in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: New Jersey requires pesticide applicators to be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement. This license requires a combination of experience and a passing score on an exam. You should also verify that your provider is properly licensed. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and talk to friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.