Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your needs, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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 companies generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on damp areas, potential entry points, and locations 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
After finding an infestation, an inspector will recommend a custom treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could attract termites. Your inspector may recommend structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to improve drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Fixing these issues will lower the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. During this monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to handle the termite problem if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. More years in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the contracts in print 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: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.