Finding the best termite pro

If you have an active termite infestation, all you want is to get rid of the problem quickly. But choosing the first pest management company you find doesn’t guarantee quality termite service. In fact, it could end up costing you more time and money without solving the termite problem.

Whether you’re dealing with a current termite infestation or looking for long-term preventive protection, here’s what to look for in a professional termite service. 

A thorough home inspection

When choosing a termite treatment company, your pest management professional (PMP) should always start with a comprehensive home inspection. The best home inspections:

• Assess current and future termite activity. A proper inspection goes beyond identifying signs of active native subterranean termite activity. It should also evaluate conditions, such as moisture problems, access points, damp wood and other factors that could lead to future infestations.
• Offer convenient scheduling. Your inspection should be easy to schedule and flexible to your needs. Termite pros should be able to assess the situation and develop a termite treatment plan promptly, without unnecessary delays.
• Provide ongoing monitoring. After eliminating the initial infestation, your PMP should return annually, or as needed, to continue servicing your home and monitoring for new threats.

Look for a comprehensive approach

The best PMPs rely on a comprehensive approach — known as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program — to address not only active termite infestations but also prevention and long-term protection.

This is important: Without an IPM approach, you risk exposing your home to future infestations, leading to additional costs, property damage and wasted time.

An effective IPM approach includes:

• A written treatment plan. A reputable professional provides a detailed written plan outlining the extent of the infestation, the recommended treatment approach and future prevention strategies.
• Complete colony elimination. Some treatments, like liquid termiticides, create barriers that keep termites away without eliminating the source — the colony itself. Without fully eliminating the colony, termites may find another entry point into your home and continue feeding.
• A preventive plan. Even after termites are gone, new colonies can form — and if you’ve had one infestation, your house may remain a target. A preventive plan that includes continued monitoring and annual servicing helps protect your home long term.
• Transparency. The IPM approach means keeping you informed every step of the way. You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving clear information about the infestation, treatment plan and prevention strategy. 

Our recommendation: a Certified Sentricon Specialist^®

Different pest management companies are licensed to use different treatment methods. A Certified Sentricon Specialist is licensed and trained to use the Sentricon® system, a total colony elimination method that uses bait stations to eliminate native subterranean termites, Formosan termites and other species.

We recommend working with a Certified Sentricon Specialist for several reasons:

• Exceptional quality standards. Not all PMPs can become a Certified Sentricon Specialist. Only those who meet rigorous training and performance standards are licensed to use the Sentricon system.
• A non-invasive treatment. Unlike liquid treatments, the Sentricon system is non-invasive and non-disruptive to your home. Bait stations are installed around the perimeter of your property, allowing termites to be eliminated at the source without drilling or trenching.
• Continuous protection. A Certified Sentricon Specialist conducts ongoing inspections and servicing to monitor bait stations and safeguard your home from termites year-round.

What to look for and avoid

Do:

• Work with a PMP experienced in treating properties similar to yours
• Ask about both initial treatment and ongoing termite prevention
• Ask about the PMP’s inspection process and what it includes
• Research the company’s history and experience in pest management
• Look for customer testimonials and positive reviews

Don’t:

• Don’t choose a PMP based solely on advertising or price — if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
• Don’t work with companies offering steep discounts for immediate treatment
• Don’t sign contracts with PMPs who pressure you with false urgency claims
• Don’t trust companies that promise an “instant fix” instead of a comprehensive IPM approach

When it comes to protecting your home or business from termites, don’t just trust the fastest or least expensive name that pops up after a search — trust proven science, professional expertise and the Sentricon system with a Certified Sentricon Specialist.

Find a termite pro.

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