Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company provides services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous coverage, and this may be a better option than a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals inspecting for termites will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Inside, they look at humid areas, possible entry points, and places with wood or cellulose. They may examine the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If inspectors find termites in your home, they'll propose a strategic treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth to create a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To address your current termite situation, the inspection company might advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company may advise landscape improvements or structural changes to lessen possible entry points and improve drainage. Addressing these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable exterminators offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. One component of this service involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified 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 companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several key considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three professionals. Some may insist on completing an evaluation first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more pest management experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those contracts in print 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: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.