Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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 companies usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on places that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They might 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 inspectors find termites in your home, they'll suggest a personalized treatment schedule to get rid of the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest control company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could attract termites. Your inspector may advise structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to 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
Termite inspection professionals often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to address the termite issue if they return within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the policies in black and white 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: Check out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, peruse online reviews, and get input from friends and neighbors to obtain insight into how customers feel about a company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.