Termite Inspector

A qualified termite inspector is a licensed professional who is authorized to inspect buildings for termites by the agency that regulates pest control services in your state. You may decide to hire an inspector if you notice signs of termite infestation in your home, or if you're buying a new property and you want to make sure that it hasn't been infested or damaged by these wood devouring pests. An inspector will visually evaluate the exterior and interior of a property to determine whether an infestation has already occurred and if pest removal is in order.

During an inspection, an inspector may see signs of termite colonization in the soil outside your property. Subterranean species may form colonies in the damp earth under a woodpile, in a garden or underneath a deck. The inspector may also see signs of infestation around the foundations or in the crawl space below your house. The structural components of your home will be inspected for evidence of these wood devouring insects before the inspector gives you a final report.

Termite Inspection Protocol

A termite inspector is licensed by a state agency to perform inspections and issue reports. Qualified inspectors are trained in detecting the evidence of the most common species of termites, including subterranean, dry wood and Formosan species. During an inspection, the inspector will usually follow a specific protocol, investigating areas outside and inside the house where the insects are likely to set up habitation.

Most professionals use a form created by the National Pest Management Association, which oversees pest control companies in the United States. A typical form includes a scale illustration of the house, on which the termite inspector indicates areas of damage. The form includes a field for details about the home's construction, such as the type of foundation, construction materials and whether it includes a basement and a crawl space. The termite inspector will evaluate these areas during the inspection for signs of termite infestation.

In addition to noting signs of an infestation, the termite inspector will take note of any features of the property that may present obstacles to applying termite treatments. For instance, if there is a well on your property or certain types of heating or cooling systems, these elements may interfere with applying specific products. Your inspection report may also indicate areas where inadequate drainage or water collection may be encouraging termite colony formation. The termite inspector may include notes on how these problems might be corrected.

Once you've received the report, you'll have the opportunity to discuss the findings with your inspection professional. If he or she is affiliated with a pest control service, you'll be given information about the types of treatments that are available to eradicate the species that's invaded your property. Your professional may give you a quote on the cost of treatment or may refer you to another member of the pest control team for an estimate. Before you make a commitment, compare quotes from several professionals in your area to ensure that you get the best deal.

Finding a Termite Inspector

Finding a qualified termite inspector is fast and easy when you use the internet to guide your search. In just a few steps, you can request multiple pest control quotes from qualified teams in your area. Take the time to find a licensed professional with a strong reputation in your community. A dedicated expert often belongs to one or more professional pest control organizations and keeps up with the latest innovations in controlling these wood destroying insects.

Although you may panic when you first see signs of these pests in or around your home, you don't have to rush your search for an inspection service. An infestation can take a long time to fully develop, and your house is not likely to be devoured overnight. Consult more than one professional when you're searching for an expert. Look for an objective, knowledgeable consultant who can answer your questions about signs of infestation, consequences of insect damage and the most common approaches to treatment.

Many services use liquid termiticides, which are injected into the soil at the perimeter of your home or into the structural fixtures of your house, to control these pests. Paper, cardboard or wood baits treated with insecticide are often used to destroy the remaining insects in their colonies. Localized treatments or fumigants that treat the entire property may be employed, depending on the company's approach.

If you are concerned about the effects of termiticide on your family or pets, ask your termite inspector about non toxic alternatives. Although these experts may not be directly involved in applying treatments, they should be able to address your questions about these processes. A reliable pest control expert is familiar with all of the aspects of controlling termites, from detection to extermination.