Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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, companies typically pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may inspect 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 discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest 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. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the inspection company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector checks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues 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
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently 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 will pay for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. 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 indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the agreements in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: The state of New York requires pesticide applicators to hold either a commercial pesticide applicator or technician license from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. You should also verify that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and ask people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.