Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite companies generally offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on areas that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They may inspect 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 discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to remove the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and 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. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the pest control company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company might suggest landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and increase drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some pest professionals go 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
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the agreements in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation, which is affiliated with Clemson University. In the majority of cases, your provider should have a commercial certification. Also verify that a company is properly insured. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and family can offer insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.