OT: Termite inspection

[dorndawg]

I have the standard (I guess?) termite contract in my mortgage. What exactly should a termite inspection consist of? I just randomly get a bill every year (for $150) from the pest control company, I've asked twice to be notified when they are coming. I used to at least get a piece of paper hung on the door; don't even get that now. TBH I'm wondering if they even get out of the truck. I've contacted the pest control company politely twice in writing, with no response other that to now send me a late notice.

Am I being unreasonable in thinking a termite inspection should involve coming inside the house? Or even - get this - maybe taking a peek inside the attic? And maybe a heads up of the date the inspection will occur?

 

[aTotal360]

Depends on the service contract. They might be simply refilling the poison traps in the ground (the green things). I know our termite contracts states just that. We pay for the poison, not a biannual termite inspection. They only real inspection was done during the purchase of the house.

 

[SLow Gray Mule]

I was having a similar issue with my termite company. I called and talked to the manager. I was contacted and met him for the next inspection. Since we had the solution that is pumped under the slab, not the green traps, all he did was walk around the house and check where the foundation and ground meet up. What I found out is the $150 is paying the insurance rider that the termite company has on your policy.

 

[Hoover Dawg]

To have an annual inspection is going to cost more than what you are paying now. They come out quarterly and refill my traps, and annually they do a pretty thorough inspection.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

Where do you live?

These things vary big time from state to state. My current company sprays Termidor (sp?) along the base of the house every year. I would at least get in writing what they are supposed to be doing. If they won't give you a time they are showing up, they probably aren't. If you live in the south, I wouldn't use a company that is not putting out some form of termite killing chemical/bait every year. Many smaller companies just collect your money and then cease to exist as a company if they ever have a claim against them. Then the owner starts a new company under a different llc and repeats the process. The guy who "treated" my slab pre-construction is on at least company #3.

 

[dawgdoug1962]

I have used Tri-State Termite and Pest out of Clarksdale since 2005 when I remodeled my home (built in 1966). They did the initial treatment of in-ground, around slab, liquid. They inspect annually with an appointment.....checking around the outside and then coming inside to do a thorough check of all rooms....base cabinets...baseboards, etc. They just retreated the outside last year, drilling new holes and reintroducing the chemical at foundation level.

My annual fee has been $136 (including tax) for several years.

 

[dorndawg]

Yeah that's a reasonable inspection/pricing. Pretty sure I'm just getting a windshield look-over.

 

[notoriousD_O_G]

I have used Tri-State Termite and Pest out of Clarksdale since 2005 when I remodeled my home (built in 1966). They did the initial treatment of in-ground, around slab, liquid. They inspect annually with an appointment.....checking around the outside and then coming inside to do a thorough check of all rooms....base cabinets...baseboards, etc. They just retreated the outside last year, drilling new holes and reintroducing the chemical at foundation level.

My annual fee has been $136 (including tax) for several years.

Have used them for 5 years now and they always do a thorough and great job.

 

[Msubulldogfan1]

I don't think they would need to go inside the house, dut definitely in the crawl space I would imagine.

 

[Hoover Dawg]

LOL. So, you come in here and say you don't know what's going on, then when people help you, you claim to know what's going on, better than the people helping you. Got it.

Also....you asked if they should check for termites in the attic. Another LOL.

Good luck, pal.

 

[dorndawg]

I bet people just love having you over for parties.*

 

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Get it treated with Termidor and you never have to worry....

 

[Jgbishop]

Bundle it with mole cricket remediation for a good discount**