Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual assessments paired with preventive care for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite companies usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. 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 personalized treatment plan to get rid of the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite issue, the professional may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors look 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 changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more pest management experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those policies in print 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Positive customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.