Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine 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
Termite specialists typically combine a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors look at potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest an effective treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the inspector may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could attract termites. 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
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies 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. Providers with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repair. 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. Anyone who uses 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 provide insight into how customers feel about the company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.