Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could 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
Exterminators generally provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. 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 pest control provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite infestation, the inspector may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repairs. Request these policies in writing 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 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 talk to people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.