Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might entice 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 companies usually offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They might 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 an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite infestation, the company may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repair. Get the agreements in writing 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: Visit 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.