Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Understanding what local termite companies offer will help you make an educated decision. Many companies offer yearly inspections along with preventive care for maximum security. This may be a better option than a one-time treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
A pest control expert will thoroughly examine 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 draw 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 often pair a complete outside check with a thorough inside check. Inside, inspectors focus on potential termite entry points, damp areas, and areas with wood or cellulose. They usually 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
If inspectors find termites in your home, they'll recommend a strategic treatment plan to eliminate the termites safely and successfully. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including physical barriers, heat, and biological control methods like beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments including liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides permeate the earth around your house to create a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, sealing it, and flooding it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To tackle your termite problem, the inspector may propose a multipronged solution.Future Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive termite inspections assess for areas prone to termites and assess current activity. Inspectors check for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. The inspection company may advise landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and enhance drainage. Taking care of these issues lowers the likelihood of future pest problems.Continuous Monitoring
Certain termite treatments need regular inspection, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, technicians look for new or worsening termite activity. This also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid treatments as needed. This recurring service lowers the chance of major damage and frequently comes with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties will pay for the cost of additional appointments to deal with the termites should they reappear in a given time period following the original service. Some companies take it 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
There are several important considerations for selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Request quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that companies may not be able to give you an accurate estimate without an on-site inspection.
- Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
- Guarantees: Choose an inspector with guarantees or warranties that cover reservice or repair. Get the 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. Any technician that applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: How satisfied customers are on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other review platforms, as well as personal recommendations, all offer useful perspectives on quality of service. Companies with good reviews tend to provide excellent service overall.