Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum coverage. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
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 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
When evaluating for termites, specialists often pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
After finding an infestation, a pest control professional will recommend a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments 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 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 tackle your termite problem, the inspector may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. Your inspector may suggest structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers provide a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some may insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Request these policies 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: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting advice from friends and neighbors can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.