Best 3 Termite Control Companies in Rochester, MN

Termites are one of the most expensive that Rochester, Minnesota, homeowners might face. These bugs feast on and damage wood, including structural elements such as studs and beams. Even though Rochester has lower infestation rates than some other areas, an invasion by these pests can still lead to costly repairs. For a termite issue, first arrange a termite inspection with a good pest control company. Many trusted companies in Rochester can perform comprehensive inspections and advise treatments to eliminate termites and prevent more.

Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies

Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an informed decision that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.

Exterior Inspection

• 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

A trained inspector will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could lure termites, such as the following: Signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes, damaged wood, and droppings. If an inspector thinks termites may be in an inaccessible area, they may make small holes or use tools to inspect the area.

Interior Inspection

• Attics
• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Doorframes
• Exposed beams or studs
• Exterior walls
• Hardwood floors
• Under-sink cabinets
• Windowsills
• Wooden furniture

When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a detailed interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on wet areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might examine the following: Shed wings, mud tubes, and wood that sounds hollow when struck are all signs of termites. Your inspector might a probing tool and a moisture meter to check for damage and termite-friendly environments.

Treatment Recommendations

If termites are detected in your house, the inspector will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the inspection company might propose a multipronged strategy.

Future Vulnerabilities

Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural changes to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.

Continuous Monitoring

Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, the technician will look for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.

Termite Warranties

Many termite inspection companies offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector

Make sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.

• Cost: Request quotes from three or more specialists. 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 often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more years of experience tend to handle termite problems faster.
• Guarantees: Find a provider that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those policies in writing for your records.
• Licensing and insurance: Pest control professionals in Minnesota should hold an applicator license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. It's also important to confirm that your provider is properly insured. Any technician who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
• Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

You can expect the price of a termite inspection to be $41–$227 in Rochester. The price varies based on the inspector and your location. Many pest management companies offer free termite inspections. This gives them a chance to evaluate your particular situation, suggest solutions, and provide an individualized quote. Following an inspection, you can decide whether to invest in a single treatment or a regular service plan. Some companies offer termite inspections along with other home inspection services meant for homebuyers and sellers. In that case, expect to pay an inspection fee.

Sources

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency