Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection company offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many exterminators offer annual inspections paired with preventive care for continuous protection, and this may be a better option than a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine your home’s exterior for visible termite issues. Structures that touch the soil and exterior wood both get extra attention, as do moisture-prone spots 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
When evaluating for termites, specialists generally pair the exterior inspection with a meticulous interior inspection. This inspection concentrates on humid areas, potential entry points, and anywhere with wood or cellulose materials. They may check the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After confirming an infestation, a pest control professional will recommend a custom treatment plan to eradicate the termites safely and effectively. Nonchemical treatments include heat treatments, physical barriers, and natural pest control methods such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation requires vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To eliminate your termite infestation, the company may propose a multipronged method.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. Your inspector may recommend structural modifications, such as landscaping improvements, to increase drainage and reduce possible pest entry points. Addressing these issues will lower the risk of another infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Because of this, many termite inspection companies provide ongoing service plans that include yearly or quarterly inspections. With this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. The technician will also switch out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans lower the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties pay for the cost of extra visits to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some pest control companies even include repair warranties. These pay for costs to repair new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Make sure to consider the following key factors when choosing a termite inspector.- Cost: Get quotes from three or more companies. Some may need to assess your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business can reflect its reliability and expertise. More years in the field typically translates to more experience dealing with termite infestations.
- Guarantees: Find a company that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. Request those 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: Satisfaction ratings from customers on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as word-of-mouth, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Businesses with good reviews tend to provide top-notch service overall.