Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can help you make an informed choice that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be a better option than only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Pest control specialists generally provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on areas that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite issue, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. Your inspector may advise structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to handle the termite problem should they reappear in a given time period following the original 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 occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in Utah must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Food. In addition to verifying a company's license, you should also confirm that it's properly insured. Any technician 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 review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Providers with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.