Frequently Asked Questions

Termite Control FAQs

• How long does a termite inspection take? What's involved?
• If a treatment is needed, what might be the cost?
• Could I perform the termite treatment myself?
• What if there already is extensive damage?
• Termites won't attack a new house, will they?
• How do subterranean termites get into a house?
• My next-door neighbor has termites and is going to have his house treated
• Can pest control companies always find termite infestations and damage when they do an inspection?
• Do I need to leave when you service?
• I have heard that if I find ants around my home, I might have a termite problem. Is that correct?

Q. How long does a termite inspection take? What's involved?
A. Usually, depending on the size of your house and property, it takes less about an hour. A skilled, experienced technician will check the entire house thoroughly, from foundation to roof.

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.

Q. Could I perform the termite treatment myself?
A. That's not practical, since special equipment and application techniques are required. Thoroughly trained and experienced technicians have the skills necessary to do the job properly.

Q. What if there already is extensive damage?
A. If the damage threatens the soundness or appearance of the structure, it must be repaired. This is a specialized type of work; often your pest controller is familiar with it and can help you arrange for repairs.

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 4.0mm 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 house. They usually commute daily between the wood and their colony.

Q. My next-door neighbor has termites and is going to have his house treated
A. Termites move randomly through the soil searching for a source of food (wood). They do not have the ability to know exactly where your house is. So, if your next-door neighbor treats his home for termites, your house isn't automatically the termites' next lunch. No, your house does not need to be treated; but, if there are active termite infestations in your neighborhood, it is a good idea to have it inspected.

Q. Can pest control companies always find termite infestations and damage when they do an inspection?
A. No, not always. Termite infestations are difficult to find if the termites travel vertically through hollow blocks, between the cracks in foundations and behind finished basement walls. Generally, pest control companies cannot be held liable for damage and infestations if they cannot gain access to infested areas. They may be held accountable, however, if they miss an obvious sign of termites.

Q. Do I need to leave when you service?
A. No, unless of course you want to. Termite controllers primarily use no or low odor materials in and around homes and businesses. If however you would feel more comfortable with leaving, or are chemically sensitive, then let the Technician know.

Q. I have heard that if I find ants around my home, I might have a termite problem. Is that correct?
A. No, there is no correlation between the two. While both will favor similar habitats, such as mulch beds, wood piles, etc., they are mortal enemies of one another, and finding one does not mean that the other is soon to follow.