Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert 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 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 an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on damp areas, possible entry points, and areas 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
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the pest control company will usually suggest an effective treatment plan to eliminate the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite issue, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors look for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspection company might suggest landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and improve drainage. Taking care of these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Providers with more years of experience usually resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those agreements 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. Anyone who uses 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 reviews from customers, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.