Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could attract 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on damp areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest an effective treatment plan to remove the termites efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods 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 form 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, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest professional might recommend a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for plumbing leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other issues that could attract termites. Your inspector may suggest structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to enhance drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower the chance of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify 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 often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control professionals go a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more industry experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes guarantees or warranties for reservice or repair. Request those policies in print 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 applies 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. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.