Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single 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 are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 typically pair a complete outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on wet spots, 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 suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate 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) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your home. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your current termite infestation, the inspector might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector searches for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspector may advise landscaping improvements or structural alterations to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest professionals take it 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
Homeowners should consider several factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to assess your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically results in more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that offer warranties or guarantees including reservice and repair. Ask for these policies 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: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.