Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an informed decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum security. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could attract 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, professionals generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on wet spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may check 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 home, your pest control professional will recommend a strategic treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground 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, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the inspector may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural modifications to increase drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. The technician will also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a given time period after service. Some exterminators go a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the contracts 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Researching businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, reading online reviews, and getting input from family and friends can provide insight into customer service. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.