Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could draw 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 specialists generally offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They might check 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 recommend a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are 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 a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite infestation, the inspector might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may propose landscaping improvements or structural alterations to enhance drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the policies in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in New Mexico must hold either a commercial applicator license or operator/technician license from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Always make sure any company you hire is properly insured. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.