Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Termite inspectors generally pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet spots, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. They may examine 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 provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, 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 situation, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector looks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspection company may recommend landscaping or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and enhance drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the contracts in print 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.