Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations 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 lure 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 provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on places that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible 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 inspector will recommend a personalized treatment schedule to get rid of the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods 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, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the pest control company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. 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, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers offer a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control professionals take it 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
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some might need to complete an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more industry experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.