Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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
When evaluating for termites, professionals typically pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on damp spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
If an infestation is identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents 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. 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 handle your existing termite issue, the company may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies 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 time frame after service. Some pest control companies 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
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More years in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that encompass reservice or repair. Get the agreements in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Tennessee requires pesticide applicators to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Always confirm that your provider has proper licensing and insurance. Any technician that 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 ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.