Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures in contact with the soil, 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
Termite companies typically provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on places that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They might examine 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 pest control professional will suggest a personalized treatment plan to get rid of the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite situation, the pest control company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could attract termites. The inspection company might suggest landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and increase drainage. Addressing these issues reduces the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of key considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Ask for these policies 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 that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.