Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that fit both your immediate and future needs. Many companies offer annual inspections paired with preventive treatments for continuous protection, and this may be a preferable alternative to a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
Termite inspectors will look around the outside of your home for visible damage. They’ll check over structures meeting the soil, 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
Exterminators typically combine a comprehensive outside check with a detailed inside check. Indoors, inspectors look at damp areas, areas with wood or cellulose, and potential termite entry points. 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 finding an infestation, an inspector will recommend a strategic treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the ground to create a barrier around your house. Baits draw in termites using cellulose laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Another possible option is fumigation, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation tents and saturates homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your existing termite problem, the professional may advise a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess potential weak spots and current problems in your home. The inspector checks for wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other issues that could bring in termites. An inspection may identify drainage issues or termite entry points that require landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include quarterly or yearly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, technicians assess for new or worsening termite activity. Part of this involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service reduces the chance of major damage and commonly comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspectors include a reservice warranty with their services, which covers the costs of follow-up appointments and extra work needed to deal with the termites if they come back within a specified time frame after service. Some pest professionals go a step further and offer 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
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three providers for quotes. Remember that some may insist on inspecting the problem before providing an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can indicate its dependability and skill. More years in the field typically leads to more experience dealing with termite invasions.
- Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the quality of service you can expect.