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 solutions for maximum coverage. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 specialists generally pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet areas, potential entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. They may 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, they'll suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite infestation, the inspector may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. As part of 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 providers provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for 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 exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repair. Ask for 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. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.