Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can help you make an informed choice that meets your short- and long-term requirements. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your situation, this may be a better option than only addressing your termite problem once.
Exterior Inspection
Trained professionals 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 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
Exterminators typically provide both indoor and outdoor inspections. Indoors, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might 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 house, the pest control provider will suggest a customized treatment plan to eliminate the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as 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. A more intensive solution is fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, tenting it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To deal with your existing termite issue, the professional may suggest a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections check for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might attract termites to your house. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that call for landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments need regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable pest control providers offer ongoing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, the technician checks for signs of new or increased termite activity. They'll also switch out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This cuts down on the risk of extensive damage. These services commonly come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection companies back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a specified time period following the initial service, the reservice warranty will pay for extra appointments and additional work needed to address the termites. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to fix new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Be sure to consider the following key factors when hiring a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three specialists. Keep in mind that they may not be able to provide a quote without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: The length of time a company has been in business usually shows its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more years of experience usually resolve termite problems more efficiently.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include warranties or guarantees 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. Any technician that uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Research each company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, check online customer reviews, and talk to family and friends for their recommendations. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the level of service you can expect.