Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite providers offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum security. This could be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil 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
Exterminators typically provide both outdoor and indoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on places 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 confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will create a tailored treatment schedule to remove the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another chemical option is fumigation, which involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite infestation, the inspector may recommend a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate current problems and potential issues around your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. They'll also swap out baits and reapply liquid treatments when necessary. These plans decrease the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies 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 exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More time in the field usually leads to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the agreements 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.