Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum protection. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, trained professionals 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 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
Exterminators often pair an outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors concentrate on damp areas, areas with wood or cellulose, and potential termite entry points. They typically 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
If an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. 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 manage your existing termite issue, the company may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could attract termites. The inspector may propose landscaping modifications or structural modifications to enhance drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty pays for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain period of time after service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of important considerations for hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Providers with more years of experience can typically handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews from customers, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.