Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, 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
Termite companies typically provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. 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
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will propose a custom treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. 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 get rid of your termite infestation, the company may suggest a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. Your inspector may advise structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of follow-up 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 cover costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those policies in writing 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and ask family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.