Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide 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
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, 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
When evaluating for termites, specialists often pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites successfully. 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. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the inspection company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. Your inspector may suggest structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will lower the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain 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
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its reliability and expertise. More years in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those policies in writing 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and neighbors can offer insight into customer service. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.