Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an educated selection that fits your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer yearly assessments plus preventive treatments for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Technicians inspecting for termites will look for visible signs of infestation around your home's exterior. They'll focus on structures that come into contact with the ground, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might 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 inspectors generally pair an outdoor inspection with a detailed indoor inspection. Indoors, they focus on wet spots, possible entryways, and areas with wood or cellulose. 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 infestation is found, your pest control professional will recommend a customized treatment plan to eradicate the termites effectively and safely. Nonchemical alternatives are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to form a barrier around your home. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this means you must temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation encloses and floods homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To resolve your current termite problem, the pest professional might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and assess current activity. Inspectors search for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your house. The inspector may recommend landscaping improvements or structural modifications to increase drainage and minimize potential entry points. Addressing these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. 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 swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies support their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some companies go a step further and provide repair warranties. This type of warranty covers the cost of fixing any new termite damage that happens after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to evaluate your situation in person before providing an estimate.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its reliability and expertise. Providers with more years of experience tend to handle termite problems faster.
- Guarantees: Look for companies that offer guarantees or warranties including reservice and repair. Ask for these 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 applies 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 online platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on service quality. Companies with good reviews tend to provide great service overall.