Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures in contact with the soil, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could attract 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
When evaluating for termites, specialists generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They might inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspection company will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist, too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil surrounding homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite issue, the inspector might recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could attract termites. Your inspector may advise structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will lower the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. During this monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection providers often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to handle the termite problem if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control providers even offer repair warranties. These cover costs to fix new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several important considerations for choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three providers. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white 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 applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews from customers, and ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.