Termite Inspection in Downers Grove, IL

When You Should Get a Termite Inspection

• You saw winged insects or shed wings inside your home
• You found mud tubes on a wall, or wood that sounds hollow
• You are buying a home and want to know its condition
• You are selling and want to avoid surprises during the sale
• You had a leak, flood or moisture problem in the basement or crawl space
• You are about to remodel, finish a basement or build a deck
• You have an older home and have never had it checked
• It has been a few years since your last inspection

Many pest professionals suggest a check about once a year for older homes, since termites can be active for a long time before there are visible signs. Regional conditions include moderate subterranean termite pressure, which makes regular checks especially useful around older foundations and moisture-prone wood.

What We Check

Our technician looks at the areas termites use most.

• The outside of the foundation, including the soil line and any cracks
• The basement or crawl space, including sill plates, joists and beams
• Around windows and doors
• The garage
• Decks, porches, steps and fences
• Wood piles, stumps and mulch next to the house
• Areas with moisture, such as around leaks, downspouts and plumbing
• Places where pipes and utilities enter the home

We look for termites and for the damage and conditions that let them thrive. We inspect visible and reachable areas.

What We Look For

Mud tubes. These are thin, pencil sized dirt tunnels on foundation walls, piers or joists. Termites use them to travel between the soil and wood.

Swarmers and shed wings. Winged termites appear in spring, often after a warm rain. They shed their wings soon after, leaving small piles near windows, doors or light fixtures.

Damaged wood. Termite damage runs along the grain and often leaves wood thin and hollow sounding. Probing may show soft or layered wood inside.

Bubbling or peeling paint. This can be a sign of moisture or hidden activity.

Moisture problems. Termites need moisture. Leaks, poor drainage and damp crawl spaces make a home more attractive.

Flying Ants or Termites?

In spring, winged insects near windows are worrying. Here is how to tell the difference:

• Antennae: Termites have straight antennae. Ants have bent, elbowed antennae.
• Waist: Termites have a thick, straight body. Ants have a narrow, pinched waist.
• Wings: Termite wings are the same length. Ants have front wings that are longer than the back wings.

Save a few in a jar or a bag and send us a photo, or call us. We will tell you what you have.

Termite Inspections for Buying or Selling a Home

If you are buying: A termite inspection is a good way to learn about hidden problems before you commit. Some lenders and buyers request a wood destroying insect report. Ask your agent or lender if one is needed.

If you are selling: An inspection can help you find and fix an issue before it comes up in negotiation and gives buyers more confidence.

Call us with your timeline and we will schedule around it.

What You Get After the Inspection

• A clear explanation of what we found, in plain language
• Notes on any activity, damage or conditions that raise risk
• If we find termites: treatment options and a price. See Termite Control
• If we find none: tips to lower your risk and a suggested time for a re-check

How Long the Inspection Takes

Most homes take about an hour, and larger homes or homes with more crawl space take longer.

How to Prepare

• Clear access to the basement or crawl space, and to the garage walls
• Move stored items away from foundation walls where you can
• Unlock gates and tell us about pets in the yard
• Tell us where you saw swarmers, wings or damage
• Keep any wings or insects you found in a bag or jar

Termite Inspections Across Downers Grove

We inspect homes in Downers Grove, including ZIP codes 60515 and 60516, and in nearby towns such as Lisle, Woodridge, Westmont and Darien.