Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert 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 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
Exterminators typically combine a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They typically look at 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 find termites in your home, they'll suggest a customized treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are 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, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite problem, the inspector may advise a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company may recommend landscaping or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair 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 quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its dependability and skill. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repairs. Get the 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.