Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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
Termite companies typically pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on damp spots, possible entryways, and locations 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
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will propose a custom treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. An inspection may reveal 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 may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.