Serving Knightsen, CA and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1996
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"This company uses the Orange Oil* and microwaves to treat for termites; and boric acid (Timborand reg;) on exposed wood to prevent future infestations. They use video cameras to look in the walls to determine which studs are affected.
Miguel was prompt on arrival, courteous and did a more thorough examination of the rafters than the previous termite inspector from another company. But it was clear that he was not nearly as experienced as another inspector from a third company that subsequently inspected our home.
He did not look in the attic nor check the crawl space under the floor. He relied on the previous inspection of another company that inspected the crawl space and found no termites. He only speculated as to how the termites were getting into the home, and did not verify the entry point.
We were quoted $720 to treat the affected studs, and $1260 to treat the affected studs and apply Timborand reg; to exposed wood for termites. (These prices include their 10% internet discount) The whole house treatment includes a 3 year warranty with yearly inspections. There is an option for an extended warranty at a cost of $200/year. The extended warranty is available only if the original warranty has not expired.
We considered this company, but subsequently learned from our county Agricultural Commissioner's Office that they see more repeat treatments when orange oil or microwave treatment is used compared to chemical treatment (fipronil aka. Thermadorand reg;, or fumigation). We are concerned this may indicate that the microwave and orange oil treatment are not as effective in eradicating termites despite a controlled study conducted by the University of California [Vernard R. Lewis et al, Journal of Economic Entomology 89(4): 922 - 934 (1996)) that suggests the method holds promise. The county Agricultural Commissioner's Office confirmed that boric acid treatment on exposed wood works well for prevention of termites and fungus.
*Addendum: At the end of the inspection we received a hand written estimate from Miguel based on the work and process we verbally discussed and he explained. We did not receive a written estimate until after this review was written. There is a discrepancy in what we believe we were told (that they use Orange Oil) and what the formal written estimate/contract states -that they use fipronil [and not Orange Oil]. We also noted discrepancies in what were told by the inspectors versus the terms of the written estimate/contract with other companies so this is not unique to this company. We would recommend reviewing the formal estimate/contract with any company before committing to any work.
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