Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many providers offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum coverage. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
During the examination process for termites, trained professionals look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, 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
Exterminators usually provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible 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
If an infestation is discovered in your house, the inspector will usually suggest a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including 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 these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite problem, the professional may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. Your inspector may suggest structural changes, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and minimize possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will lower the likelihood of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many pest control companies provide ongoing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspection visits. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as needed. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies include a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they return within a specified time frame after service. Some pest control companies provide extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes fixes for any new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from three or more specialists. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience can typically handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose a company with warranties or guarantees that encompass reservice or repairs. Get the policies 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: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask people you trust to get a sense of customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.