Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite inspection providers offer will help you make an informed decision. Many companies provide yearly inspections along with preventive treatments for maximum security. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
When conducting inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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 specialists usually pair an outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at damp areas, potential entryways, and places with wood or cellulose. 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 inspectors find termites in your home, they'll suggest a personalized treatment plan to eliminate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to create a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Another possible option is fumigation, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the company may advise a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Full termite inspections evaluate current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things that could attract termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help avoid future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and often comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty will pay for any extra work required to address the termite issue if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest professionals go 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
There are a number of important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience usually resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and talk to friends and family for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.