Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks 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
Termite companies typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet spots, potential entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. 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 infestation is identified in your house, the inspector will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and 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. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the professional may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural changes to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need 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. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. They'll also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans lower the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and talk to friends and family for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.