Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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
Pest control companies often pair a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, and damp areas. They often look at 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, an inspection service will recommend a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the company may suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspection company might suggest landscape improvements or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for 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: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer 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. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.