Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make a smart decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be a better option than only addressing 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 draw 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 specialists typically combine a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They typically look at 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 inspector will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the company may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may propose landscaping improvements or structural changes to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the agreements in black and white 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. 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 online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.