Best 10 Termite Control Companies in Madison, WI

Termites are one of the priciest that Madison, Wisconsin, homeowners can face. These bugs chew through wood, including studs, beams, and other structural components. 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 Madison provide full termite inspections followed by solutions to eliminate and prevent termites.

Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies

Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an informed decision that fits your immediate and future needs. Many providers offer annual termite assessments with preventive care for consistent protection. Depending on your circumstances, this might be more valuable than addressing termites only 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

Termite inspectors conducting examinations will be on the lookout for visible signs of infestation around the exterior of your home. They'll focus on structures that are touching the soil, outdoor wooden elements, and moisture-prone areas that might attract termites, such as the following: Indicators of termites include damaged wood, mud tubes, and droppings. If an inspector suspects termites are in an inaccessible area, they might drill small holes or use special tools to check for them.

Interior Inspection

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

Termite companies typically pair a comprehensive outdoor inspection with a thorough indoor inspection. Indoors, they look at wet spots, possible entryways, and locations with wood or cellulose. They might examine the following: Shed wings, mud tunnels, and wood that sounds hollow when struck are all signs of termites. Your inspector might a probing tool and a moisture meter to look for damage and termite-friendly environments.

Treatment Recommendations

After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will create a custom treatment schedule to eliminate the termites safely and effectively. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents 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 form a protective barrier. Baits contain cellulose laced with slow-acting insecticide. If you need a more intensive treatment, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation involves vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To manage your existing termite issue, the professional may advise a multipronged method.

Future Vulnerabilities

Comprehensive termite inspections assess 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 landscaping or structural changes to reduce possible entry points and increase drainage. Taking care of these issues reduces the risk of future pest problems.

Continuous Monitoring

Termite solutions may 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. As part of this monitoring, technicians check for signs of new or increased termite activity. This service also involves changing out baits and reapplying liquid termiticides as needed. The recurring visits reduce the risk of extensive damage and frequently come with a warranty.

Termite Warranties

Termite inspectors frequently support their services with reservice warranties. These warranties cover the cost of extra visits to handle the termite problem should they reappear in a specificed time period following the original service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and offer repair warranties. These warranties cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector

Homeowners should consider several key factors when 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 usually shows its dependability and skill. Companies with more years of experience can typically resolve termite problems more efficiently.
• Guarantees: Choose companies that offer warranties or guarantees covering reservice or repairs. Make sure to get the contracts in black and white for your records.
• Licensing and insurance: Your pesticide applicator should have a commercial applicator license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. When you verify a company's license, also make sure that it has appropriate insurance. Any technician 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 get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Positive customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

The price of a termite inspection in Madison averages between $39 and $220. The exact rate depends on the inspector you hire and your specific location. Many pest control companies offer free termite inspections to assess your particular situation. The inspector can suggest solutions and give a personalized estimate. After the inspection, you can select a one-time treatment or an ongoing service plan. Some companies provide termite inspections along with other home inspection services meant for people purchasing or selling a home. In this case, expect to pay an inspection fee.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection