Best 10 Termite Control Companies in Chicago, IL

Termites are one of the priciest that Chicago, Illinois, homeowners might face. These bugs feast on and damage wood, including structural elements such as studs and beams. A termite invasion can be hard to get rid of, and can lead to costly destruction. The first step in dealing with a termite infestation is to reach out to an established pest control business to set up a termite inspection. Many companies in Chicago offer comprehensive inspections and both curative and preventive treatments to control termites.

Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies

Knowing what services termite inspection companies provide can help you make an informed choice that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many providers offer yearly assessments plus preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a better solution than only treating your termite problem once.

Exterior Inspection

• 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

A pest professional will carefully inspect 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: Signs of termite activity include damaged wood, mud tubes, and droppings. If the inspector suspects termite activity in an inaccessible area, they may bore small holes or use special tools to look for termites.

Interior Inspection

• Attics
• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Doorframes
• Exposed beams or studs
• Exterior walls
• Hardwood floors
• Under-sink cabinets
• Windowsills
• Wooden furniture

Pest control specialists typically offer both outdoor and indoor inspections. Inside, they focus on locations that are humid or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as potential termite entry points. They may examine the following: Your inspector will look for signs of termites, including detatched wings, mud tubes, and harmed wood, which usually sounds hollow when tapped. They might use a probing tool and moisture meter to identify termite damage and termite-friendly environments.

Treatment Recommendations

If termites are detected in your house, the inspection company will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Nonchemical options are available, including heat, physical barriers, 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 liquid termiticides and termite baits. Liquid termiticides soak into the soil to create a protective barrier around your home, while termite baits contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Fumigation is another chemical option. This involves vacating your home, tenting it, and filling it with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the pest control company might recommend a multipronged approach.

Future Vulnerabilities

Complete termite inspections evaluate potential vulnerabilities in addition to current termite activity. The inspector will check for conditions that could draw termites to your home, such as plumbing leaks and wood-to-soil contact. The inspection company may advise landscape improvements or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and increase drainage. Addressing these issues decreases the chance of future pest problems.

Continuous Monitoring

Termite solutions sometimes require consistent monitoring, replacement, or reapplication to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with yearly or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this monitoring, the technician will check for new or increased termite activity. They'll also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when needed. These plans lower the chance of major damage and frequently include a warranty.

Termite Warranties

Termite inspectors frequently back their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of additional appointments to handle the termite problem should they reappear in a given 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 following treatment.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector

There are several key considerations for selecting a termite inspector.

• Cost: Get quotes from three or more providers. Some may need to inspect your situation in person before giving you an estimate.
• Experience: How long a company has been in business often shows its reliability and expertise. Companies with more industry experience tend to handle termite invasions more effectively.
• Guarantees: Find a provider that offers guarantees or warranties for reservice or repairs. 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 who applies restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
• Reputation and reviews: Check out businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, peruse online reviews, and get input from friends and family to obtain insight into how customers feel about a company. High customer satisfaction is a strong indicator of the level of service you can expect.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

The charge fortermite inspection in Chicago averages around $40–$222. The exact rate depends on the inspector you hire and your address. Many pest control companies offer free termite inspections to evaluate your particular situation. The inspector can recommend solutions and give a personalized estimate. After the inspection, you can choose a single treatment or a recurring service plan. Some businesses provide termite inspections with other home inspection services meant for homebuyers and sellers. In this situation, you can expect to pay a fee for the inspection.

Sources

• Illinois Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency