Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive solutions for maximum protection. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, 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
Pest control specialists typically provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After finding an infestation, an inspection service will propose a tailored treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, 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 permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, sealing it off, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the company may advise a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. The inspection company may recommend landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and enhance drainage. Fixing these issues lowers the risk of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. 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 cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on assessing the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience usually handle termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those contracts 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. Any technician that 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, check online reviews from customers, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.