Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that satisfy both your short- and long-term needs. Many exterminators offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments 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
Termite specialists often pair a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Inside, inspectors concentrate on damp areas, potential termite entry points, and areas with wood or cellulose. They often look at the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, a pest control professional will propose a strategic treatment plan to remove the termites safely and successfully. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite issue, the inspector might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might attract termites to your home. The inspection company might suggest landscape improvements or structural changes to minimize possible entry points and improve drainage. Fixing these issues reduces the chance of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer continuing service agreements that include yearly or quarterly inspection appointments. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments when necessary. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection providers offer a reservice warranty with their services, which pays for the costs of extra visits or work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some exterminators take it a step further and include repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request price estimates from a minimum of three companies. Some might need to complete an assessment first before giving a quote.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its knowledge and expertise. Providers with more pest management experience can typically handle termites more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer guarantees or warranties covering reservice or repair. Make sure to get the contracts 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. 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, read online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.