Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw 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 generally offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on areas that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. 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
If termites are detected in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents 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. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at 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 advise structural alterations, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they return within a certain period of time after service. Some exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for 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 professionals. Some might insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repairs. Get the contracts 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: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.