Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, 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
Termite inspectors generally pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on damp areas, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. 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 verifying an infestation, an inspector will create a tailored treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, 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 gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite issue, the pest professional might propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could attract termites. The inspection company might suggest landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues decreases the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original 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 several factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More years in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who offer guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Get these policies in writing 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. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting advice from family and friends can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.