Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures in contact with the soil, 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
Pest control companies often pair a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, damp areas, 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 an infestation is identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods 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 create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite infestation, the pest professional might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspection company may recommend landscape improvements or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues lowers the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans lower the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repair. Make sure to 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.