Termite treatment: how to compare quotes and avoid overpaying

Signs of termites

The EPA says most people don’t know they have termites until they see a swarm or find damage. Ways to check (EPA):

• Probe exposed wood with a flathead screwdriver for hollow spots.
• Look for swarms. Termites have wings of about equal length and straight antennae. Flying ants have longer front wings and bent antennae.
• In most of the U.S., the most common type is the native subterranean termite.

Treatment types, explained

• Liquid soil barrier: the most common treatment, applied to the soil around the house. The EPA says done wrong, it can contaminate the home and nearby drinking water wells and still not protect you, so hire a licensed, trained pro (EPA). IDPH says EPA-registered liquid termiticides must protect the structure for at least five years (IDPH).
• Bait systems: cellulose bait with a slow-acting insecticide, used with inspection and monitoring. The EPA says baits were introduced to help reduce overall insecticide use (EPA).
• Wood treatments: such as borates, often sprayed on wood during new construction (EPA).

Ask each company which method they recommend and why, and whether monitoring visits are included. IDPH says companies generally recommend an annual fee after termite treatment that continues the contract; it usually obligates the company to re-treat if termites come back, and in some cases to repair later termite damage at no charge. Read what yours covers before you sign (IDPH).

How to compare termite quotes

IDPH says most pest companies offer free inspections, and it’s wise to get a second opinion. It also says not to hire on price alone: a very low price may not cover good materials or enough time, and a high quote may be overcharging (IDPH). Questions IDPH suggests:

• What are the expected results, and how long will it take?
• What pesticides will be used, and can I have copies of the labels? (The EPA also says to ask for the label (EPA).)
• Will the technician be state certified, and how much experience do they have?
• Is there a guarantee, and what’s the cancellation policy?

Also check the company’s license with the IDPH business search, ask when it’s safe to go back inside after treatment (EPA), and get the whole agreement in writing.

Cut the risk of termites coming back

From the EPA:

• Keep soil around the foundation dry with good grading, gutters and downspouts.
• Fill cracks in the foundation and gaps where utilities enter.
• Fix leaks right away and keep vents clear.
• Keep firewood and wood debris away from the house, and keep shrubs off exposed wood.

If something goes wrong

To complain about a pesticide misapplication, the EPA says to contact your state pesticide agency (in Illinois, IDPH). You can also call the National Pesticide Information Center’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-858-7378 (EPA).