Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil 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
Termite companies usually provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. 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 infestation is identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspection company may recommend landscaping modifications or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those contracts 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, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.