Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Professionals performing termite inspections will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Termite companies generally provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They may 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 termites are detected in your home, your pest control professional will suggest a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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 deal with your existing termite issue, the professional may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could attract termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back 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 extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white 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: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and talk to people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.