Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer yearly inspections plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a preferable alternative to only treating your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, inspectors 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 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 pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet areas, potential entryways, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 an infestation is found, your pest control professional will recommend a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the inspector may recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things that could attract termites. The inspection company may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues decreases the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may 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. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service cuts down on the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often offer 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 time frame after service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More years in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repairs. Get the 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 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 personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.