Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive care for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on 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
Exterminators often pair an outside check with a thorough inside check. Indoors, inspectors focus on potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. They usually 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 confirming an infestation, an inspector will propose a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods 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, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the inspection company might recommend a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections evaluate 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 propose landscaping improvements or structural alterations to improve drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will reduce your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer ongoing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers offer 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 return within a given time period after service. Some companies take it a step further and offer repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after 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: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its trustworthiness and experience. More time in the field usually translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repair. Ask for these contracts 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit 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. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.