Questions & Answers

The following information is presented to you in hopes that you will better understand exactly what is involved in a complete termite inspection.

Q. HOW LONG DOES AN INSPECTION TAKE?

A. Usually, it takes less than an hour. A skilled, experienced technician will check the entire house thoroughly, from foundation to roof. He/She knows exactly where to look for telltale signs of the presence of termites or other wood destroying pests and any damage. Their tools may include, a flashlight, a rubber mallet, a screwdriver or other probe, and perhaps a small long-handled mirror for inspecting the hard-to-reach areas where termites are often found. Gold Country Termite Control also utilizes highly technical equipment such as moisture detection gauges when necessary.

Q. WHAT IF NO EVIDENCE OF TERMITES ARE FOUND?

A. You will receive written notification stating that no visible evidence of infestation have been found in the accessible areas that were checked. But any home should be re-inspected periodically, especially if neighboring homes show signs of termites.

Q. IS AN ANNUAL RE-INSPECTION CONTRACT ADVISABLE?

A. It can be, with a reputable pest control operator. The cost is reasonable compared to the damage termites can do if they go undetected for any period of time. Plus it automatically keeps you from forgetting to have one done.

Q. HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE A RELIABLE TERMITE FIRM?

A. Get references from homeowners who have used them. Check with local banks and businesses who deal with them. Ask pointed questions about their business history and their people. Find out how well trained their inspection personnel are and if the company belongs to local, state, or national pest control associations.

Q. ARE THERE OTHER WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS BESIDE TERMITES?

A. Yes. Besides the most common termite — the subterranean — there are other kinds of termites, as well as wood destroying beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees. Pest control professionals know how to identify and treat them.

Q. WHAT IF TERMITES OR OTHER WOOD DESTROYING PESTS ARE FOUND?

A. Then it will be necessary to treat the property to prevent any further damage.

Q. IF TREATMENT IS NEEDED, MUST I USE THE SAME FIRM THAT DID THE INSPECTION?

A. Not if you don’t want to. You can always pay for a second opinion and arrange for any treatment with whomever you wish.

Q. WHAT CHEMICALS ARE USED TO CONTROL TERMITES?

A. There are two major classes in use today — organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. Both are effective and safe when used properly, but there are some significant differences between them. Your pest control professional will be happy to explain these differences to you.

Q. WILL THERE BE AN ODOR?

A. There may be a slight odor for a while after treatment. However, it is non-lingering and any trace of is should disappear in just a few days.

Q. IF A TREATMENT IS NEEDED, WHAT MIGHT BE THE COST?

A. Costs vary widely and no meaningful answer can be given until the inspection is completed, the size, and structure of the home determined and other factors assessed. It’s important to remember, however, that the cost of termite treatment is minor when compared to the equity and investment represented in your home.

Q. COULD I DO IT MYSELF?

A. That is not practical, since special equipment and application techniques are required. Thoroughly trained and experienced personnel have the skills necessary to do the job properly.

Q. TERMITES WON’T ATTACK A NEW HOUSE, WILL THEY?

A. Unfortunately, they have been known to … sometimes within days of completion.

Q. HOW DO SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES GET INTO A HOUSE?

A. Very easily. All they need is an opening 1/64″ wide. They may enter directly from the soil, or they may build airtight tubes leading from their colony in the soil to the wood of your home. They usually commute daily between the wood and their colony.

Q. HOW IMPORTANT IS THOROUGHNESS IN TERMITE INSPECTION?

A. Very important! Because an undetected termite infestation could result in damage later.

Q. DO ALL TERMITES LOOK THE SAME?

A. No! From the king and queen come the eggs which lead to nymphs, workers, reproducers, soldiers, swarmers and colonizers. All taking on a very different description.

Q. HOW LONG IS THE INSPECTION GOOD?

A. It is recommended to have a normal house inspected every two-three years. This helps to guarantee that any damage, if found, is kept to a minimum.

As always, Gold Country Termite Control is available for questions you may have.