Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum coverage. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors conducting examinations will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that meet the earth, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might entice 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, specialists often pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid spots, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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
After confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will create a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite issue, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess 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. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some companies go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some may insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience usually handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the contracts in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: In Virginia, pesticide applicators may hold either a commercial applicator for hire license or a technician registration from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Technicians must work for at least a year before getting an applicator license. Always verify a provider's licensing and insurance. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.