Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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 an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at humid spots, possible entry points, and places 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
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will propose a custom treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to form a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite issue, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections evaluate potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could attract termites. Your inspector may recommend structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lessen the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain 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 annual or quarterly inspections. During this monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repairs. Get the contracts 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. Any technician who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.