Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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 often pair a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus 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
If inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite infestation, the pest professional might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could attract termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. They'll also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors 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 return within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more industry experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.