Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make a smart decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures meeting the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that 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
Pest control companies typically combine a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors look at areas with wood or cellulose, potential termite entry points, and damp areas. They usually look at 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 identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite situation, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators go a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer guarantees or warranties including reservice and repairs. Ask for 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. 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 recommendations from friends and family can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.