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 providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
While performing checks for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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
Pest control companies typically combine a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors look at areas with wood or cellulose, damp areas, and potential termite entry points. They often 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 identified in your house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to form a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. 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 inspector might advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections look at current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping improvements or structural alterations to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will decrease your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes need consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies provide a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a given time period after service. Some pest professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its trustworthiness and experience. More years in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.