I had posted an old thread about termites, but I couldn't find it so I am posting a new thread. After getting different estimates, and hearing about different methods, I finally decided on a company. The owner came out personally, and he knew his stuff. The guy has a degree in bugology, and explained everything very thoroughly. I learned something new. Termites can changes sexes when mating and they can multiply very quickly! I had no idea. He explained all the different methods of killing termites including, but not limited to tenting, foam method, microwaves, orange spray, spot treatment and some others I cannot think of. Contrary to popular belief, tenting is not the best method. It only kills above ground drywood termites (aka red head termites). You have to move a LOT of stuff out of the house for three days and leave the windows and doors open. Of course, burglars know this and it exposes your house to a break in. Not only that, but the minute the treatment tenting is done, they can come back. In my case, I have drywood ( red heads) termites, and subterranean termites (black head termites). So, tenting would be useless anyway as it would not kill the black heads. So this company is going to use the foam method. They foam spray the attic, under the raised foundation, inside the garage, the wood trim around the house, and all decks and patios. It is guaranteed for two years, and they come out and do an automatic inspection at one year to check for any new damage. After the two years, I can extend the coverage for $350.00 a year which will take care of any future potential damage. Plus, they have excellent Yelp reviews. Oh, here is what I really liked. They make tiny holes on the outside of the house, and pump foam in to the walls for maximum protection. They then patch the little holes with stucco material to match your house, and they will paint over the patches if you give them the paint. Also, the foam soaks into the wood, where as spray only takes care of the outside of the wood. I thought I would post this for the benefit of any homeowners who may have the same problem, especially here in California. Here is the link to the company: Best*Termite and Pest Control Service in California | Kilter My house was built in 1965 I think. As we have a lot of new construction, that is considered to be kind of old. Over the years I have had the roof replaced, new copper pipes, new A/C and heating system and had some water damaged flooring replaced (after years of having an in door water heater) under the bathroom that was remodeled. I also had an outdoor Noritz water heater put in. Luckily, I have been able to do this stuff gradually, so I can pay it off as the repairs were made. What I liked about this company is the did not use scare tactics. They said the house was not in danger of falling down any time soon, and that they have seen MUCH worst. No pressure at all. I finally found the right company. P.S. They also treat and kill any wood fungus present. Something the other companies never even mentioned.
Ay dios mio! Well, just had had the house termited. Of course that led to another problem. There is a pipe underneath the kitchen sink (we have a raised foundation) that is rusted and leaking. Because of that, it is attracting termites. One more thing to fix. Oh boy!
