Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Exterminators often pair an outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors concentrate on potential termite entry points, areas with wood or cellulose, 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
After verifying an infestation, a pest control professional will propose a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest professional might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. Your inspector may suggest structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest professionals go a step further and offer 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 hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might need to complete an inspection first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose a provider with warranties or guarantees that include reservice or repairs. Get the 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. Any technician that 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 reviews from customers, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.