Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an informed choice that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive solutions for consistent coverage. Depending on your needs, this might be a better solution than only addressing your termite issue once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will meticulously check over your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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 inspectors usually pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at damp areas, potential entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. 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 an infestation is found, your inspector will propose a customized treatment schedule to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like 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 flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite issue, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could attract termites. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural modifications to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Addressing these issues will reduce your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of 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 lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some may insist on completing an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its reliability and expertise. Providers with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those agreements 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. Anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Positive customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.