Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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 generally pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they look at wet spots, possible entry points, and places with wood or cellulose materials. They might examine 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 found, your inspector will propose a personalized treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite infestation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. Your inspector may suggest structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lessen the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners must consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies 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 often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repair. Get the policies 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 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, reading online reviews, and getting advice from friends and family can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.