Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that matches your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Pest control specialists generally offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible 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
After confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will propose a tailored treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. Your inspector may recommend structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lower the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These cover costs to fix 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: Request quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those policies in print 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Positive customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.