Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an informed choice that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies provide yearly inspections plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could draw 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
Exterminators generally offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They might check 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 infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural modifications to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will reduce your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to 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 inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience tend to resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that include reservice or repairs. Get the 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. Any technician that 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, read online reviews from customers, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.