Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite inspections with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything in contact with the soil, 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
Termite inspectors typically pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they concentrate on humid areas, possible entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They might examine 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, they'll suggest a customized treatment plan to get rid of the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite problem, the pest control company might suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could attract termites. The inspector may propose landscaping changes or structural changes to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will reduce your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans lower the chance of major damage and commonly include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience usually handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the agreements in print for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your pesticide applicator should have a commercial applicator license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. When you verify a company's license, also make sure that it has appropriate insurance. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting input from friends and family can provide insight into how customers feel about the company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.