Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make a smart decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly inspections plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be a better option than only treating your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over 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 a complete outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on areas with wood or cellulose, damp areas, and potential termite entry points. They typically 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, an inspection service will create a custom treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the professional may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company may advise landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and increase drainage. Taking care of these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also 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
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners must consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the agreements in writing 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.