Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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
Exterminators generally offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. 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
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will create a strategic treatment plan to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. 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 current termite infestation, the inspector might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspection company might suggest landscaping or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues lowers the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that cover reservice or repair. Get the agreements in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Texas requires pesticide applicators to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Always confirm that your provider has proper licensing and insurance. Anyone who 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 family and friends can offer insight into the customer experience. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.