Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Exterminators generally provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on areas that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They might check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, an inspector will create a custom treatment plan to remove the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, 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 permeate the earth around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repair. Get the contracts in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Professional pesticide applicators in Oregon must pass an exam and obtain a commercial applicator license from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Always verify both licensing and insurance when choosing a provider. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.