Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
When evaluating for termites, professionals generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet areas, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If termites are detected in your house, the inspector will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to create a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. Your inspector may recommend structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control companies offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies in black and white for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in North Carolina must be licensed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Your provider will likely have either a commercial ground applicator or a public ground operator license. Also, confirm that the company is properly insured. Any technician that applies 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, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.