Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum protection. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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 typically provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on locations that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They might 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest an effective treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to form a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite issue, the inspector might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspection company may advise landscaping or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and enhance drainage. Addressing these issues reduces the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With 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 reduces the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Request these contracts in writing 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. Any technician that uses 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 talk to people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.