Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will thoroughly examine 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 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, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
If inspectors find termites in your home, they'll propose a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties 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 professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for choosing 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: A company's history often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repairs. 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and get advice from family and friends to obtain insight into the customer experience with a certain company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.