Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest professional 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 draw termites, such as the following:- 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
Interior Inspection
Exterminators generally offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They might examine the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After confirming an infestation, an inspection service will propose a custom treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite issue, the company may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural modifications to increase drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest control providers even include repair warranties. These cover costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business usually shows its reliability and expertise. Providers with more years of experience usually handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those agreements in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in Illinois must have a commercial applicator's license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. You should also verify that the company is properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Checking out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, perusing online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends and family can provide insight into customer service. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.