Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an informed choice that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, they'll suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the inspector may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may propose landscaping improvements or structural alterations to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come 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 come back within a given time period after service. Some pest control companies even offer 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 factors that homeowners must consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repair. Get the policies 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. Any technician that 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 from customers, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.