Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will thoroughly examine 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 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
Termite specialists usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet spots, possible entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. 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 a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites efficiently. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to stay effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More time in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Get these 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: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from friends and family can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. Good customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the service quality you can expect.