Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many exterminators offer annual inspections 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
During the examination process for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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 usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as 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 get rid of the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground 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, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the inspection company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspection company may recommend landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and increase drainage. Taking care of these issues decreases the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. Ask for 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: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.