Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they look at damp spots, potential entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. 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
If an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites successfully. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To get rid of your termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess 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 house. Your inspector may recommend structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check 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 commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get 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: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer warranties or guarantees including reservice and repairs. Get 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.