A termite infestation can be one of the most destructive and stressful events to occur in a person’s home. These tiny insects can cause significant damage to wooden structures and furniture. Aside from wood, termites can also destroy products made from paper, like books and documents. Most people attempt do-it-yourself options the first time they encounter termites in their homes. These include applying pesticides as well as performing minor changes to prevent termites from reaching wooden structures in their home. However, termites are persistent creatures and proper control of their population is best left to professionals that know how to inspect, identify, and manage termite infestations.
The first thing to look for in a pest control company is their license and certification. Dealing with termites may involve the use of regulated chemical substances. Termite control specialists need to hold the proper license and certification that signifies that they are able to handle and use these chemicals safely. Dealing with unlicensed pest control companies may be cheaper upfront, but the lack of proper documentation means that it would be harder to ensure that they perform proper pest control practices, as well as make it more difficult to hold them responsible when things do not go as planned. Licensed companies can sometimes use unlicensed or uncertified personnel when applying pesticides. It is always a good idea to inquire about the certification and license of a company’s pest control personnel.
Homeowners should also look for termite control companies that employ specialists. There are numerous types of termites, making initial identification a must since different species may require different approaches. A trained entomologist is usually employed by established pest control companies to ensure that they can generate the best approach to deal with an infestation. Chemicals used in dealing with termites can linger in the house and can pose a safety risk to household members if improperly applied. One should always look for companies that have experienced staff and personnel trained in safety practices. It is also a good idea to ask for a list of the pesticides that they will use as some may have unintended health effects.
Most pest control companies focus primarily on eradication. However, termite control actually starts at the start of a home’s construction. Pretreatment of wood used in the building of a home can go a long way in preventing termites from eating away at a home’s base structure. Even minor things, like putting space between wood structures and the ground, can go a long way in avoiding the spread of termites. Established termite control companies usually offer consultation and other services to help prevent termite infestation.
Termites, if left unchecked, can damage a building’s base structure and ruin important documents, costing homeowners thousands of dollars. It pays to always consult licensed professionals whenever one suspects that termites may be invading their home. Finding the right termite control company, like termite control Orange County, can help homeowners avoid the headache and the hassle that comes with trying to prevent and manage termite infestations.