Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil 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
Termite specialists usually pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet spots, potential entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose materials. 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 propose a tailored treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, 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. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the professional may advise a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector searches for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could draw termites. Your inspector may recommend structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several key considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its reliability and expertise. More time in the field usually results in more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those contracts 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. Anyone who 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 customer reviews, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.