Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures meeting the soil, 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 companies usually pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at humid spots, possible entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. They may 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest an effective treatment plan to get rid of the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are 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, sealing it inside a tent, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest professional might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. The technician will also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection professionals often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies in black and white 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 uses 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 friends and neighbors can provide insight into customer service. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.