Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies provide annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything meeting the earth, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture 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
Termite inspectors generally pair a complete outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at wet areas, possible entryways, and areas 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 recommend a strategic treatment schedule to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, sealing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite infestation, the inspector might propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential entry points as well as current issues. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping modifications or structural alterations to enhance drainage and lessen potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many exterminators provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This lessens the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty pays for any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators go a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners should consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get price estimates from a minimum of three providers. Some might insist on completing an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose providers that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the policies 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online customer reviews, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.