If you look in the phone book or do a search around the Internet, you'll see a vast number or termite and pest control [http://www.tituspest.com] companies. With such a competitive market in nearly every town across the United States, you would think that pest and termite companies would perform top-level termite inspections to maintain a professional image. Surprisingly, that is not always the case.

So what constitutes a proper termite inspection?

First, ensure the inspector is looking in all the right places. Inspectors should be checking your crawlspace (if applicable), windows, doors, bath traps, sinks, garage, attic, and exterior areas.

If your home has a crawl space, ask the inspector to tap on your floor joists as he/she travels throughout the crawl. That suggestion doesn't ensure they are looking as closely as they should, but it does ensure they are traveling through the crawl space. Too often, inspectors crawl a quarter of a home and shine their flashlights through the remainder of the area. Inspecting in that manner is ineffective, as the technician is at a distance far too great to properly see what they need to.

While inspecting the exterior of your home, the inspector should be checking all earth to wood contacts to your home as well as all attached slabs. If the inspector doesn't get on their hands and knees, you're not getting a proper inspection. Also ask the technician to check all woodpiles, stumps and any other wood debris abound your home. A good inspector will not only look for live or previous termite activity, they will also point out conducive conditions or areas of high probability for termite infestation.

If your home is built of slab construction, interior inspections are vital. As mentioned earlier, your technician should be checking your windows, doors, sinks, bath traps, garage and attic. If you have a patio or attached slab adjoined to an exterior wall, it's always a good idea to have the technician pull back the carpet back to ensure termites are not entering through the crack between your slab foundation and the attached patio or adjoining slab. A small crack or void is all that is necessary for termites to enter your home.

Keep in mind that some inspectors are paid solely on commission. That is, commission off of termite treatments they sell to you and everyone else. Termite protection is very important, but before your purchase termite treatment, check with multiple companies to ensure you've received accurate information.