Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an informed choice that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth 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
Pest control specialists usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on places 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 discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form 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 introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite infestation, the company may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspector may propose landscaping improvements or structural modifications to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Addressing these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some exterminators take it a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that cover 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: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.