Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make a smart decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, 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
Termite inspectors usually pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on humid areas, potential entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. 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 inspectors find termites in your home, they'll recommend a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite issue, the professional may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to stay effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience usually resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repairs. Get the contracts 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: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.