Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments for continuous coverage, and this may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll examine structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw 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 specialists typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Inside, they look at humid areas, 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 inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and biological pest control agents such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the inspector may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections check potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things on your property that could draw termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians look for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves changing 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
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can show its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the policies in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your pesticide applicator should have a commercial applicator license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In addition to verifying a company's license, you should also make sure it has appropriate insurance. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Providers with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.