Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that come into contact with the earth and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could draw 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 companies usually offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If termites are detected in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, 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 permeate the earth around homes and act as a barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite infestation, the inspector may propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will look for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may recommend landscaping changes or structural modifications to enhance drainage and minimize potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will reduce your chance of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many pest control providers offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for evidence of new or increased termite activity. The service also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a certain period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost additional appointments or more work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several key factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Obtain quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can show its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can often handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those agreements 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Customer satisfaction on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.