Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than treating termites only 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 draw 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. Inside, inspectors concentrate on damp areas, potential termite entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They often 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites successfully. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the company may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may recommend landscaping improvements or structural alterations to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those 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: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and talk to people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.