The Pest Control Companies
While it is very normal for property owners to worry too much about the time being wasted in sifting through the many different companies that offer termite control services, it is still more advantageous for the property owner to not panic and make hasty decisions, especially in choosing the pest control company that will be paid to take care of the termite infestation.
Many pest control companies employ very good pressuring techniques and smooth talking that property owners are immediately persuaded to hire their services without looking into other options. As a property owner, you should keep in mind that these people are hired to make you sign a contract with their company, thus they would have the tendencies to tell you whatever it is that you want to hear for as long as they get your money in the end. The effort of having to choose the best company lies solely in your hands.
You will definitely face the problem of having to pick up the right company especially if the cost of the services offered by the companies varies to a couple of hundreds of dollars. While it may not be true to a select few, in most cases, companies that offer the lowest price often cut down on some aspects of the treatment in order to offer the service at such a low price. In a way, by picking out the lowest bidder, you might as well pick out the poorest service provider.
Inspection
In order to be secure about the pricing of the treatment, you have to submit your place for termite inspection in order to find out if actual damage is really taking place.
The good thing about company competition is that most companies will be willing to conduct a free inspection of your place (although some may charge you a little). What you can do is to arrange at least four professional termite control companies to thoroughly inspect your properly for termites. If termites are indeed found, you can ask for a detailed report on the their bid for the treatment of your properly. Make sure that all the companies that inspected your place provide you a written report so that you can cross refer. In making the comparison, you might find the following questions helpful:
a. Are there live termites in the property? Where are the colonies found?
b. How much of the properly has been damaged? Which portions are severely damaged? Which portions are in the verge of being damaged?
c. Are the damages recent? If not, how long have the damages been their?
d. Has the property received termite treatment before (If the property is not originally yours)? What type of treatment has been done?
e. Are there damages that are hidden or those that are in the very foundation of the property which cannot be seen? How about the visible damages?
The report of the inspectors might include a recommendation as to what form of treatment is best advised for your property. They might advise for a partial or full treatment, the validity of the recommendation is left for you to discern based on the data that you have in your hands.
Understanding the Bidding Process
You will be able to make a sound decision when you know the facts and the figures associated with the termite treatment that will be done in your property. To help you in your decision, here are some key questions that you should be asking, or better yet, the report of the pest control company have already answered:
1. What termite treatment is advised? The treatment can be chemical-based or it may employ the bait system; sometimes, heat and microwave are also used. In some cases, fumigation is needed. But in most cases, chemical-based termite treatment is advised and is often used.
2. For a chemical treatment, what chemical will the pest control company use? Is the application rate of the chemical in line with the current rate of application as per recommendation of the government (should be less that 25 psi applied pressure). To be more thorough, ask the pest control company for a copy of all the labels of the termicides that are to be used in your property.
3. Which part of the house are the chemicals applied? If it is in the underground basement, how deep from the basement are the exterminators planning to dig?
4. If your basement has a floor covering, be especially concerned about the method by which the exterminators are going to apply the chemicals. Ask for the techniques that they are to employ? Will they dig or drill a hole?
5. How will the exterminator treat those portions in your house that are not easy to access? How about the very narrow edges?
6. In the case of drilling holes into the floor covering, how will the exterminator cover the hole? Will the chemical not leak? How will the exterminator make sure that you and your family are safe from the chemical?
Company Credence
Finally, do not forget that it is also very important that you are dealing with a legal pest control company. The company should be recommended by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of your state. The Bureau handles all the complaints received by service companies thus, BBB will not recommend a company that has unsolved issues. Look for valid licenses to operate too and always ask the company and make the time to call the referrals declared by the company.
You might also want to look into the insurance offered by the company. The insurance is very useful come the time when you have to sue the pest control company for an unsatisfactory job.
Another amazing termite industry analysis post by,
Michael Rozatoru :)
