Q1:
How can I tell if it's a termite or an ant? With the
eye and help of a magnifying glass. When you look at an
ant, there are three definite body segments. A termite
has two. When they have wings, the ants will have four
wings- two long and two short. The termites will have four
wings all the same length.
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Q2:
Is it a law that requires an inspection for the sale of
my home? There is no law in California that requires
a Wood Destroying Pest Inspection. An inspection is usually
required by the new lender or mortgage holder. The sales
agreement between buyer and seller identifies the inspection
and gives direction. The escrow instructions also address
the inspection. A house could be sold "as is", but a new
lender normally wants the house free of evidence of active
infestation or infection in the visible accessible areas
of the structure. State law normally requires seller to
disclose any problems the house may have. Termites are to
be included in this disclosure.
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Q3:
Do I still need treatment since I no longer see the termites
or their evidence? Depending upon the type of termite
you have, this may indicate that they have moved into
some new area or that they have stopped swarming. When
they swarm, the colony is not leaving. This is the little
princes and princesses going out to start new colonies.
The workers, soldiers and queen are still busy working.
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Q4:
How many types of treatments are approved by consumer affairs
the structural pest control board? All methods of eradication
are approved. The key words to watch for are PRIMARY and
SECONDARY. Normally the primary method will eliminate the
infestation and have a warranty. The secondary methods are
identified as secondary on the report and normally have
no warranty as it can't or won't eliminate all the infestation.
In the study 'Villa Termiti' by Dr. Vernard Lewis at UC
Berkley- The only method of whole house eradication of drywood
termites is (HeatMaster™)
Heat or Fumigation. All other methods are only spot treatments.
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Q5:
When should I have my house inspected if I am going to sell
it?
The best time to have your house inspected is prior to agreeing
on a sales price with a prospective buyer. Most agents typically
wait until the house is in escrow before ordering the report.
If you have budgeted for termite or fungus problems, you are
alright. However, if you didn't budget for these problems, the
additional expenses could turn into a nightmare. Get a termite
inspection before you negotiate a sales price. Call our office
and our friendly staff will assist you in scheduling your free
inspection.
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Q6:
Do I have to sign a year-contract for pest control service? We
don't have sales contracts for our pest control customers.
We offer service agreements. You can have the service for
as long or short as you want. When you feel you no longer
need the service, call and cancel. We do offer some yearly
service contracts that do offer some better rates or different
types of service. Call our office today or e-mail us at
control@wastone.com. We are committed to providing quality
services at economical prices.
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Q7:
Can I buy the chemicals and do it myself? We don't
recommend that the public do any chemical applications.
The labels on chemicals have directions for use, mixing,
applications, disposal and warnings. Most people do not
read the complete label. Leave the chemical applications
to the professionals. We are licensed and have label reviews
periodically and have continuing education to keep our
licenses active and up to date. If you must apply something
at home to kill the ants, spiders or other swarming flying
insects, use Windex with ammonia, hair spray, or WD40.
If you feel that you must apply some type of chemical,
buy Boric acid, but please follow the instructions. It
could mean your health.
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Q8:
However, the other termite man said the HeatMaster™ Treatment
wouldn't work! Not all houses can be heat treated, and
not all houses need to be fumigated. The inspector that
states that a certain process doesn't work really means
their company doesn't offer it. Some companies only offer
fumigation or other chemical treatments. The HeatMaster™ heat
process is a licensed and patented process. There are only
20 licensees in the State of California.
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Q9:
The contractor or home inspector said I have termites.
The only inspector or company that can identify termites
or other wood destroying infestations or infections must
be licensed by Consumer Affairs - Structural Pest Control
Board. Next time they tell you that, ask to see their license.
All licensees must carry with them a copy of their license
or pocket license.
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