Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting 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
Termite specialists typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they look at wet areas, possible entry points, and places 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
After confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will propose a tailored treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some may need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your provider must have an applicator license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and should be properly insured. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from family and friends can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.