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Finding signs of termites in a home can understandably send homeowners spiraling. They may wonder how long they’ve had termites or how much damage has already been done. Indeed, homeowners typically do not begin seeing visible termite signs like mud tubes, holes in drywall, or crumbling baseboards until termites have been busy for months or even years. The full extent of the damage is likely hidden from plain view.
Luckily, the best pest control companies can banish termite colonies from the home and take steps to keep them from coming back in the future. Homeowners will want to ensure that the company they turn to has a proven track record of success with termite control and up-to-date licensure and insurance. It can feel overwhelming to decide who to entrust with the process of taking back a home from termites, but attacking the problem step by step can help alleviate stress for homeowners. Read on to learn how to choose a termite company to handle the job from start to finish.
Time required: 2 to 3 weeks
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated cost: $220 to $915
Before You Begin…
Most termite control technicians are professionals dedicated to helping homeowners rid their homes of destructive pests. But some companies may misrepresent their credentials or use tactics to pressure homeowners into paying for unnecessary services. It’s always advisable to perform due diligence by thoroughly researching a company and looking for red flags before allowing it to treat the home. Once the company has been chosen, cooperation and communication between the homeowner and the termite technicians is essential for completing the job safely and effectively.
Tips for How to Find a Termite Company
- Look for pest control companies that are licensed and insured.
- Read customer reviews specifically for the company’s termite control service.
- Get multiple estimates to find the best price.
Safety Considerations
- Keep children and pets away from the treatment area.
- Follow the termite company’s instructions after treatment to avoid exposure to chemical pesticides.
STEP 1: Find a company in your area that provides termite control services.
The first step in finding a local pest control service is often to search online for “pest control services near me.” Homeowners may want to opt for larger companies with a nationwide service area, or they might prefer local exterminators. Either way, ensuring that the company includes termite control in its services is essential. Termites require more specialized treatment than what some pest removal services can provide. If a company’s website is unclear about whether it treats termites, reaching out to the company directly may be necessary.
Customers can turn to reviews to learn more about a company. It’s important to note that dissatisfied customers are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied customers. However, if there’s a significant recurring complaint among the reviews, the customer may want to take that into consideration and possibly choose another company.
STEP 2: Check the company’s licensing and certifications.
Verifying that the company is appropriately licensed and certified is important when hiring any service. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pest control companies must have at least one certified, licensed pesticide applicator. Certification requirements for termite control companies vary across states, so it’s wise for homeowners to research the required credentials in their state of residence.
If it is unclear whether the company’s license is authentic or up to date, customers can check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture or their state’s agricultural and environmental departments to verify the credentials.
STEP 3: Schedule a termite inspection.
After confirming that the pest control company is qualified to treat termites, homeowners can schedule a termite inspection. During the inspection, technicians will check the inside and outside of the home to determine the extent of the damage and what type of treatment will be necessary. A layperson may not even know what termites look like, so if homeowners are unsure that their pests are termites, inspectors can either confirm or give the all clear. Some companies may waive the cost of termite inspection if the homeowner decides to hire them, or they may offer it for free with no obligation.
The scheduling process can also be a good opportunity to evaluate the company based on a few key features, like customer support availability and quality. Customer support representatives that are easy to contact and willing to answer questions can be good signs that the company is reputable.
STEP 4: Ask for the treatment plan and identify any guarantees.
After the inspection, the company will provide a quote. Technicians will likely already know the best termite treatment plan based on their inspection. Homeowners will want to ask for a detailed description of this plan and a breakdown of the costs. Companies that are vague about pricing or will not give a firm estimate may charge more down the road than the homeowner bargained for. The final termite treatment cost should not differ much from the original quote.
It is also wise to be wary of companies that do not offer guarantees. Guarantees usually promise a refund or free repeat treatment if the homeowner still has termites after a specified duration. Generally, it’s advisable to be aware of the company’s terms before moving forward with hiring.
STEP 5: Perform any necessary prep work before the termite treatment service begins.
Depending on the termites’ location, homeowners may need to prepare the area for treatment. This may include rearranging furniture so technicians can access the space or removing any belongings the homeowner wants to protect from pesticides. Homeowners may need to clear yard equipment or tools if the home’s exterior is infested.
It may also be necessary to make arrangements to be away from the house for a period while the pesticides dry, especially if the homeowner has children or pets. If fumigation services are necessary, the prep work may be more involved. It’s a good idea to ask the company what will need to be done ahead of time to avoid any surprises or delays on the day of service.
Choosing a termite company can feel like a daunting task when a homeowner is already concerned about the damage that could be happening to their home. But it’s important not to rush the process or sign a contract with the first company that comes up after searching “pest control service near me.” The best termite services prioritize helping clients regain control of their homes and preventing future infestations.
FAQs
It’s natural for homeowners to be perturbed by termites taking up residence in their homes. But information is power, and it can help homeowners decide their next steps. Here are the answers to some common questions about termites.
Q. How do I permanently get rid of termites?
The most surefire answer to how to get rid of termites and prevent them from returning is to enlist the help of a professional pest control service. Termite control specialists are familiar with the habits and behaviors of termites and have the tools and treatments to remove them.
Q. What attracts termites to a house?
In general, termites are attracted to wood. But depending on the species of termite, they may prefer a damp wood or a dry wood. Wood that is placed near the house, like firewood or mulch, can act as transportation for termites that gives them access to the home.
Q. How do you tell if you have termites in your walls?
Termite damage—if it is even visible—may appear as tiny holes in the wall, lines in drywall where termites have tunneled, or flaking or peeling paint. If the damage is severe, the wall may produce a hollow sound when knocked on, or it may begin to crumble.
Q. What do termites hate the most?
Termites are extremely averse to sunlight and will not survive extended sun exposure.
Q. Do termites come back after treatment?
There is always a possibility that termites will return after treatment, but opting for a reputable termite control company with proven results will lessen the chances of repeat infestation. Many treatments remain effective for about 5 years.
Q. Why do they drill holes for termite treatment?
Termite technicians will drill holes in the soil to inject treatments into the soil and apply them aboveground. This provides a more complete protection barrier. The pesticides underground also won’t be washed away by rain, and they are out of reach of children and pets.