Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional 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 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
Exterminators typically combine an outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors concentrate on damp areas, potential termite entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They usually 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
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will create a tailored treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite infestation, the pest professional might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspection company might suggest landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves swapping out 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 include 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 pest control professionals go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those agreements 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: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and talk to people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.