Top Termite Inspection in Des Plaines, Illinois Ranked

A termite inspection is a specialized evaluation of your property to detect the presence or risk of wood-destroying insects. For homeowners in Des Plaines, this service is critical for protecting your most significant investment from costly, hidden damage. This guide explains what a termite assessment entails, what local inspectors look for, and how you can use this information to connect with qualified professionals in your area to safeguard your home.

House Call Chicago

4500 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653

House Call Chicago is a termite inspection company serving the Chicago, IL area. They offer thorough inspections for residential properties, including multi-unit buildings, focusing on identifying signs of current or past damage from wood-destroying insects. The company uses modern home inspection software to provide clear, visual reports that help clients understand the condition of their homes. Their inspectors are certified by InterNACHI and have completed over 10,000 inspections, bringing extensive experience to their work.

5.0

689 Reviews

Effective Pest Solutions

chicago

Effective Pest Solutions provides comprehensive pest control services in Chicago, IL, serving both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include treatment for bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, and wildlife removal, with customized solutions for unique pest challenges. The company also supports institutions like schools and restaurants with pest management programs that comply with regulatory standards. They specialize in rodent control using trapping, monitoring, exclusion, and sanitation, and offer termite inspections and prevention plans to protect property integrity.

5.0

154 Reviews

Aerex Pest Control

4301 E Wilmette Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Aerex Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Chicago, IL, and the Greater Chicagoland Area since 1948. They provide a wide range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. With over 70 years of experience, Aerex Pest Control uses environmentally friendly methods and safe products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to address both common and seasonal pests unique to the Chicago area. Their knowledgeable technicians apply targeted solutions that focus on long-term prevention and sustainability.

4.9

2.3k Reviews

Chem-Wise Pest Control

2600 Beverly Dr #106, Aurora, IL 60502

Chem-Wise Pest Control is a locally owned pest control company based in Aurora, IL, serving the Chicagoland area including Naperville, Joliet, Schaumburg, and Rockford. They provide residential and commercial pest control services for a wide range of pests such as ants, rodents, roaches, wasps, bees, bed bugs, and termites. With over 25 years of experience since 1993, Chem-Wise employs certified technicians who use environmentally friendly and safe application methods tailored to individual pest problems. Their service plans and single treatments come with guarantees to address pest issues effectively.

4.9

1.6k Reviews

Rose Pest Solutions

270 Larkin Dr Suite A, Wheeling, IL 60090

Rose Pest Solutions is a pest control company serving Chicago, IL, and the Midwest. They provide comprehensive pest management services for homes and businesses, including cockroach, ant, rodent, termite, bee and wasp removal, and wildlife control. The company uses environmentally friendly methods and advanced technology to create long-term pest solutions. Established in 1860, Rose Pest Solutions has over 165 years of experience in pest control. They offer year-round protection plans with multiple visits and emphasize sustainable practices to protect both customers and the environment.

4.9

961 Reviews

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Why Termite Inspections Are Essential in Des Plaines

Illinois is home to active termite colonies, with the subterranean species being the most common threat to homes in the Des Plaines area ^{1 2}. These insects work silently, often causing extensive structural damage before a homeowner is even aware of a problem. A professional termite evaluation is your first line of defense, identifying not only active infestations but also conditions that could attract future colonies. For home buyers, a termite inspection report is a standard and vital part of the due diligence process, potentially saving thousands in unexpected repair costs ^{3 4}.

What a Professional Inspector Looks For

A thorough termite check involves a detailed examination of both the interior and exterior of your property. Inspectors are trained to identify the subtle signs of termite activity that are easy for an untrained eye to miss.

Exterior Signs:

• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, and sill plates to travel between their soil nest and food source ^{1 5}.
• Wood Damage: Inspectors will probe wood around the foundation, window frames, and eaves for signs of softening or hollowing.
• Conducive Conditions: This includes woodpiles stored against the house, excessive mulch near the foundation, and areas of poor drainage or plumbing leaks that create moisture ^{6 7}.

Interior Signs:

• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tapping on baseboards, trim, and structural beams can reveal wood that has been eaten away from the inside.
• Visible Damage: This includes bubbling or peeling paint (which can indicate moisture from termite activity), tiny holes in drywall, and drooping or sagging floors ^{5 3}.
• Direct Evidence: Finding discarded wings from swarmers, termite droppings (frass), or the insects themselves inside the home ⁴.

The Termite Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

Understanding the process can help you know what to expect when a professional arrives at your Des Plaines home.

1. Exterior Perimeter Scan: The inspector begins outside, walking the entire perimeter of your home. They examine the foundation, siding, eaves, vents, and any attached structures like decks or porches for entry points and mud tubes ^{6 5}.
2. Interior Deep Dive: Inside, the inspector will examine accessible areas including basements, crawl spaces, and attics. They pay close attention to areas where wood meets the foundation, around plumbing penetrations in kitchens and bathrooms, and inside cabinets and closets ^{1 8}.
3. Moisture and Wood Integrity Check: Using tools like moisture meters, the inspector identifies damp areas that attract termites. They will also use a probing tool to test the soundness of wood in suspect areas ^{6 4}.
4. Reporting and Recommendations: After the inspection, you should receive a detailed written report outlining all findings. This report will note any evidence of active or past infestation, damage, and conducive conditions. It should also include clear recommendations for treatment or preventative measures if needed ^{1 5}.

Common Termite Species in Illinois

While the subterranean termite is the primary concern in Des Plaines, a comprehensive inspection also checks for signs of other wood-destroying organisms ^{8 2}.

• Subterranean Termites: As their name suggests, they live in the soil and require contact with moisture to survive. They are responsible for the vast majority of termite damage in the region ^{1 2}.
• Other Wood Borers: Inspectors may also note evidence of less common pests like old house borers or powderpost beetles, which require different treatment approaches ⁸.

Understanding the Cost of a Termite Inspection in Des Plaines

The price for a termite inspection can vary based on the size of your home, its age, and the complexity of the structure. Based on local data, homeowners in Des Plaines can generally expect to pay between $75 and $150 for a standard inspection ^{9 10}. Some companies offer inspections for free if you proceed with a treatment plan, while larger or more complex properties may see costs rise above $200 ^{11 12}. The average cost in the broader Chicago area is reported to be around $133 ⁹. It's important to view this cost as an investment in preventative maintenance, potentially saving you from repair bills that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Preparing for Your Inspection

To ensure the inspector can perform a thorough job, you can take a few simple steps:

• Clear clutter from your basement, attic, and crawl space access points.
• Move items stored against interior walls, especially in garages and basements.
• Trim back shrubs and vegetation from the foundation to allow for clear access.
• Ensure all rooms and storage areas, including closets, are accessible.

The Critical Role of Moisture Control

Termites are attracted to moisture. A key part of any inspection and subsequent prevention strategy involves addressing water issues. Inspectors will note:

• Leaky faucets or pipes.
• Poor grading around the foundation that allows water to pool.
• Faulty gutter systems that dump water near the foundation.
• Improper ventilation in crawl spaces ^{6 7}. Correcting these issues is often one of the most effective and affordable ways to make your home less attractive to termites.

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