Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, inspectors 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 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
Termite inspectors typically pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet areas, possible entry points, and locations with wood or cellulose. 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 schedule to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents 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 involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspection company may advise landscaping or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues decreases the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators take it a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repair. Get these policies in writing 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: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and talk to friends and family for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.