Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection providers offer can assist you in making an educated selection that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual termite assessments with preventive treatments for consistent protection. Depending on your situation, this may be more helpful than treating termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
A trained inspector will carefully inspect your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that meet the ground and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots that could attract 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
When evaluating for termites, companies generally pair the exterior inspection with a thorough interior inspection. This inspection focuses on humid spots, possible entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. 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 an inspector identifies termites in your home, they'll usually suggest a customized treatment plan to remove the termites successfully. Nontoxic options exist too, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. Chemical treatments are more common and highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two main types are termite baits and liquid termiticides. Termites baits consist of a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting termiticide. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil around your home to create a protective barrier. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite infestation, the inspector may recommend a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will search for conditions that could attract termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may advise landscaping changes or structural alterations to improve drainage and reduce potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will lower your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions sometimes require regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to stay effective. Many termite inspection companies offer continuing service plans that include annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also replace baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This diminishes the risk of extensive damage. These services frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of follow-up visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some exterminators take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These guarantees pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are several factors that homeowners must consider when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its dependability and skill. Companies with more industry experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find a company that includes warranties or guarantees for reservice or repair. Request those contracts 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: Look up each company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online reviews, and talk to friends and family for their recommendations. Feedback from other customers speaks volumes about the service quality you can expect.