Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Exterminators generally offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They might 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 identified in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite situation, the inspection company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repair. Ask for these contracts 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. 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 talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.