Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an informed choice that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be a better option than only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
If an infestation is found, your inspector will recommend a customized treatment plan to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite problem, the inspector may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping modifications or structural alterations to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves switching out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More years in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those contracts in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pennsylvania requires professional pesticide applicators to be either a commercial/public applicator or registered technician. Licensing and registration is handled by the Bureau of Plant Industry, Division of Health and Safety within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Always make sure 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: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and talk to friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.