Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum security. This might be a better choice than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll examine structures meeting the soil, 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
Termite inspectors usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they concentrate on humid areas, potential entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose materials. 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 inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological 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 requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections look at current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors look for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could attract termites. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural alterations to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. During 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 commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This covers repairs for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can reflect its dependability and skill. More years in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite problems.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in print 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. Anyone who 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 talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.