Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum coverage. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, 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
Pest control companies often pair an outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors look at areas with wood or cellulose, potential termite entry points, and damp areas. They usually look at 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 discovered in your house, the inspection company will usually suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the company may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often include a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control companies even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its reliability and expertise. More years in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Request these agreements in writing 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online customer reviews, and ask family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.