Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive solutions for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll inspect structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas 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
Pest control specialists typically offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites efficiently. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite issue, the professional may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector looks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could draw termites. The inspection company may advise landscaping or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Taking care of these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing 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 inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some exterminators offer 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 hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to assess your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A provider's time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Providers with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that includes guarantees or warranties 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, look at online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.