Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, technicians look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They focus extra on anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could draw in 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 typically offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on locations that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to potential termite entry points. They may examine 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 home, your inspector will suggest a customized treatment schedule to eradicate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and natural pest control agents like beneficial nematodes. Chemical termite treatments regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include baits and liquid termiticides. Baits consist of an insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts and kills termites, while liquid termiticides soak into the soil to form a protective barrier around your home. Fumigation is a more intensive solution that involves vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite situation, the inspection company might suggest a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections look at potential vulnerabilities as well as current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as wood-to-soil contact and plumbing leaks. The inspector may advise landscaping modifications or structural modifications to enhance drainage and reduce potential entry points. Fixing these issues will lower your likelihood of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality pest control providers offer ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. With this monitoring, technicians assess for signs of new or increased termite activity. Part of this service involves replacing baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as required. The recurring visits lessen the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of more appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a set time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals go a step further and include repair warranties. These warranties pay for repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: A company's history often shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Find an inspector that offers warranties or guarantees for reservice or repairs. Request those agreements 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 uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, browse online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Good customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.