FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do …?

I have allergies, can I still be treated?

All of our technicians go through extensive and on-going training and licensing. Rest assured that we are going to use only the best, most effective products on the market. All of our products have undergone intense testing and scrutiny and are registered for use by both the EPA and the state of California. When used properly by a licensed technician, they pose little risk to humans and animals. We also recommend that you consult your physician. We’ll be glad to provide them with any documentation regarding our products and service that they may require.

I have young children and/or pets. Are your products safe?

All of our products are not only EPA approved but also have passed the even stricter guidelines established by the state of California. We use these same products in nursing homes, hospitals, day care centers and homes just like yours every day. We are also trained weekly on how to use these products. We work around children/pets every single day and we are trained weekly on how to service these sensitive areas. All we ask is that you keep your children/pets away from the treated areas until they have had a chance to dry. Once they are dry, they pose little or no hazard to your children/animals. With that being said, if any of your children have any unusual illnesses, conditions, or special needs, depending on the situation we may want to postpone service until you have had a chance to talk to the family physician.

What do I need to do if my house needs to be fumigated?

All people, pets and plants must be removed from the structure before fumigation. (This includes fish and seeds or bulbs intended for planting). Medicines, feed and food not sealed in metal, glass or highly resistant containers must be removed from the structure or sealed in protective bags as recommended by the fumigant manufacturer.

If fumigation is the right option for you, we’ll manage the process as seamlessly and effortlessly as possible.

We’ll provide you with a PDF with instructions to prepare your home to certain specifications, before you take a vacation for a few days. Then, our fumigator will completely seal, or “tent,” your home. This tent will allow us to treat your home with the most effective fumigant available. After that, your property will be aerated fully before you return. The fumigant we use leaves no residue in your home or on its contents. So once your home is cleared for re-entry, you can pick your life up right where you left off.

I know I have termites, but I don’t want to fumigate. What else can be done?

Fumigation is not always a required method of treatment for drywood termites and wood boring beetles. Fumigation is an all-encompassing treatment in which the gases permeate the entire structure, eradicating both visible infestations and termites that are otherwise inaccessible. If an infestation is contained in a small area, the termites or beetles may be eliminated by local applications. The inspector will use their professional judgment to decide what treatment is necessary.

If treatments other than fumigation are recommended, you should be aware the localized treatments will not provide eradication of other hidden infestations in the building.There are several alternatives to localized chemical treatments. There are, however, only two methods for whole-house eradication of drywood termites: fumigation and whole-house heat treatment.

Other methods such as orange oil, electro gun, microwave, and freezing with liquid nitrogen are local or spot treatments designed to eradicate termites in a specific area. They are not, however, intended for whole house eradication and therefore are NOT alternatives to fumigation. The University of California, Berkeley, conducted a study for the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) on these methods. A free, condensed version is available on SPCB’s Web site, www.pestboard.ca.gov/howdoi/research.shtml.

After Treatment?

Do not liquid clean areas treated after treatment is done for at least two weeks after treatment. Avoid the use of damp cloths, wet wipes, etc. and use only dry towels to wipe down and clean areas that were treated. Do not vacuum or clean any applied dusts, gels, foams or other products on baseboards or in cracks and crevices of the unit. Do not tamper with installed devices such as pest monitors, baits, traps etc.