Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors checking for termites will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, potential entry points, and anywhere 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
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural alterations to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when selecting 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: How long a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. Get these contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Oklahoma requires pesticide applicators to have a certified applicator or service technician license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Always verify that your provider is properly insured, as well. Any technician that uses 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 review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.