Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
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 lure 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 typically combine a complete outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors look at damp areas, areas with wood or cellulose, and potential termite entry points. They typically 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 termites are detected in your house, the inspection company will suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Alternatives to chemicals 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 liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the company may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could attract termites. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural changes to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some companies go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repair. Get the contracts in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your provider must have an applicator license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and should be properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.