Best 7 Termite Control Companies in St. Paul, MN

Termites are one of the most expensive that St. Paul, Minnesota, homeowners might face. These bugs feast on and damage wood, including structural elements such as studs and beams. Even though St. Paul has lower infestation rates than some other areas, an invasion by these pests can still lead to costly destruction. If you think you have termites, start by calling a reliable pest control provider in St. Paul to schedule a termite inspection. Many companies can provide complete termite checks and treatment plans to eliminate and prevent infestations.

Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies

Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies provide yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a preferable alternative to only addressing your termite issue 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

While performing checks for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could attract termites, such as the following Signs of termites include damaged wood, mud tubes, and droppings. If an inspector suspects termites are somewhere hard to see, they might drill small holes or use special tools to check for them.

Interior Inspection

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

Termite inspectors usually pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at humid spots, possible entryways, and areas with wood or cellulose. They may examine the following: Your inspector will look for signs of termites, including detatched wings, mud tubes, and eaten wood, which usually sounds hollow when struck. They may use a probing tool and moisture meter to identify termite damage and termite-friendly environments.

Treatment Recommendations

If inspectors confirm there are termites in your house, the company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Many providers prefer to use chemical treatments, which are highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the pest control company might advise a multipronged strategy.

Future Vulnerabilities

Complete termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may recommend landscaping modifications or structural alterations to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will decrease your chance of a future infestation.

Continuous Monitoring

Termite solutions may require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many exterminators offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves switching out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.

Termite Warranties

Many termite inspectors provide 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 specified time frame after service. Some exterminators provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector

There are several factors that homeowners should consider when hiring 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: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. More time in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
• Guarantees: Find a company that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those agreements 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
• Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online customer reviews, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

The average cost of a termite inspection in St. Paul ranges from $43 to $241. The cost will vary by provider and location. Many pest control companies offer free termite inspections. This gives them a chance to assess your specific situation, recommend solutions, and provide a personalized quote. Following an inspection, you can decide whether to invest in a single treatment or an ongoing service plan. Certain providers include termite inspections along with other home inspection services focused on 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