Top Termite Inspection in Lombard, Illinois Ranked

A termite inspection is a critical evaluation of your home to detect the presence or risk of wood-destroying insects. In Lombard, where subterranean termites are active, this service is essential for protecting your largest investment from costly, hidden damage. This guide will help you understand what a professional inspection entails, what inspectors look for, and how to find qualified local experts to assess your property.

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

See more providers in Lombard, IL

Why Termite Inspections Are Vital in DuPage County

Termites are a silent threat, often causing significant structural damage long before homeowners notice any signs. In the Lombard area and throughout the Midwest, the primary culprits are Eastern Subterranean Termites and the highly destructive Formosan Subterranean Termites ^{1 2}. These pests thrive in our climate and can compromise the integrity of your home's wooden framework. A professional termite evaluation is not just about finding active infestations; it's about identifying conditions that could lead to future problems, allowing you to take preventative action. For homeowners considering a sale or buyers navigating the purchase process, a clear inspection report is frequently a requirement for mortgage approval ³.

What a Professional Inspector Examines

A thorough termite check involves a meticulous survey of both the interior and exterior of your property. Inspectors are trained to spot subtle clues that untrained eyes might miss.

Interior Inspection Points

Inside your home, the inspector will examine areas where wood is present and moisture may accumulate. Key locations include:

• Basements and Crawl Spaces: These are prime areas for termite activity due to their proximity to soil and potential for moisture.
• Attics: Inspectors look for damaged wood, mud tubes on foundation walls, and discarded insect wings.
• Around Windows and Doors: Stiff doors or windows that are hard to open can be a sign of wood warping from moisture or termite damage ^{4 5}.
• Walls and Floors: Signs like bubbling drywall, peeling paint, or sagging floors can indicate moisture issues that attract termites or conceal damage behind the surface ^{6 7}.

Exterior Inspection Points

The exterior inspection is equally detailed, focusing on the points where your home meets the ground.

• Foundation Perimeter: The inspector will check for mud tubes-small, tunnel-like structures termites use to travel-on foundation walls, in cracks, and around expansion joints ^{6 8}.
• Wood-to-Soil Contact: This is a major red flag. Any structural wood, like porch steps, deck posts, or siding, touching the soil provides direct access for termites ^{4 7}.
• Landscaping and Moisture Sources: Mulch piled against the foundation, overgrown vegetation, leaking downspouts, and poor drainage all create the damp, wood-friendly environment termites seek ⁵.

Tools and Techniques Used in an Inspection

Modern pest inspectors use more than just a flashlight and a keen eye. While a visual assessment is the cornerstone, many professionals employ specialized tools to detect hidden issues:

• Moisture Meters: These devices measure the moisture content in wood. Since termites require moisture, elevated readings can pinpoint high-risk areas or hidden infestations within walls ⁴.
• Probes and Picks: Inspectors may use these tools to gently probe wooden beams, window sills, and other structures to check for hollow spots or softened wood, which are telltale signs of termite damage ⁷.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Some inspectors use infrared cameras to identify temperature differences behind walls. Wet wood or areas of insect activity can sometimes create a distinct thermal signature, helping to locate problems without invasive measures.

Understanding Inspection Costs in Lombard

The cost for a termite inspection in Lombard and the greater Chicagoland area typically ranges from $75 to $225 or more ^{9 10}. Several factors influence the final price:

• Home Size and Layout: Larger homes or those with complex layouts (like multiple stories, finished basements, or extensive crawl spaces) require more time to inspect thoroughly.
• Type of Report Needed: A standard verbal summary may be less expensive. However, if you need a detailed written report, often required for real estate transactions or mortgage lenders, the cost will be higher ^{9 3}.
• Additional Services: Some companies offer bundled services, such as a general pest inspection alongside the termite evaluation, which can affect the total.

It's important to view this cost as an investment in preventative maintenance. The price of an inspection is minimal compared to the expense of repairing extensive termite damage.

The Link Between Termites and Real Estate Transactions

If you are buying or selling a home in Lombard, a termite inspection is a standard part of the process. Most mortgage lenders require a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (WDIIR) report before they will approve a loan ³. This protects their investment in the property. As the buyer, you will usually pay for this inspection ³. A clean report provides peace of mind, while a report noting active infestation or damage can become a point of negotiation for treatment or repair credits. For sellers, obtaining a pre-listing inspection can identify and resolve issues upfront, making the home more attractive to potential buyers and smoothing the sale process.

Key Signs of Termites You Can Look For

While a professional inspection is irreplaceable, homeowners can perform periodic checks. Be on the lookout for these common indicators of a termite problem:

• Mud Tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels of dried mud on foundation walls, in crawl spaces, or along pipes. These are highways for subterranean termites.
• Discarded Wings: Swarming termites, or "swarmers," shed their wings after finding a mate. Piles of small, identical wings near windowsills or doors are a classic sign.
• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on wooden beams, trim, or other structures. If they sound hollow or papery, termites may have eaten the wood from the inside out.
• Frass: Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings called frass, which can pile up below infested wood.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to contact a professional for a comprehensive assessment.

Preparing Your Home for an Inspection

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

1. Clear Access: Move boxes, stored items, and furniture away from basement walls, crawl space entrances, and attic access points.
2. Trim Vegetation: Cut back shrubs, vines, and tree branches that are touching the house to allow clear visibility of the foundation.
3. Address Moisture: Fix any leaking faucets or downspouts you are aware of, and ensure gutters are clear.
4. Note Concerns: Make a list of any areas where you've seen potential signs (e.g., "soft spot in basement sill," "pile of wings in garage") to point out to the inspector.

By facilitating full access, you help the professional provide the most accurate and useful report on your home's condition.

Frequently asked questions

Sources