Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many exterminators offer annual inspections paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
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 lure 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
Termite inspectors generally pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet areas, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. 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 inspector will recommend a strategic treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite problem, the inspector may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspection company may recommend landscape improvements or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues decreases the risk of future pest problems.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 signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves swapping out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits diminish the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of additional appointments or more work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some companies take it a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty pays for the cost of fixing any new termite damage that occurs after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its dependability and skill. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that include guarantees or warranties covering reservice and repairs. Request these 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. 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 advice from friends and neighbors can provide insight into the customer experience. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.