1. How can I tell if it's a termite or an ant?
   With the eye and help of a magnifying glass. When you look at an ant, there are three definite body segments. A termite has two. When they have wings, the ants will have four wings- two long and two short. The termites will have four wings all the same length.
2. Do I still need treatment since I no longer see the termites or their evidence?
   Depending upon the type of termite you have, this may indicate that they have moved into some new area or that they have stopped swarming. When they swarm, the colony is not leaving. This is the little princes and princesses going out to start new colonies. The workers, soldiers and queen are still home devouring your home 24/7.
3. Is it a law that requires an inspection for the sale of my home?
   There is no law in California that requires a Wood Destroying Pest Inspection. The ones that require an inspection are normally led by the new lender or mortgage holder. The sales agreement between buyer and seller identifies the inspection and gives direction. The escrow instructions also address the inspection. A house could be sold "as is - where is", but a new lender normally wants the house free of evidence of active infestation or infection in the visible accessible areas of the structure. State law normally requires seller to disclose any problems the house may have. Termites are to be included in this disclosure.
4. How many types of treatments are approved by consumer affairs the structural pest control board?
   All methods of eradication are approved. The key words to watch for are PRIMARY and SECONDARY. Normally the primary method will eliminate the infestation and have a warranty. The secondary methods are identified as secondary on the report and normally have no warranty as it can't or won't eliminate all the infestation. In the study 'Villa Termiti' by Dr. Vernard Lewis at UC Berkley- The only method of whole house eradication of drywood termites is (THERMAPURE) Heat or Fumigation. All other methods are only spot treatments.
5. When should I have my house inspected if I am going to sell it?
   The best time to have your house inspected is prior to agreeing on a sales price with a prospective buyer. Most agents typically wait until the house is in escrow before ordering the report. If you have budgeted for termite or fungus problems, you are alright. However, if you didn't budget for these problems, the additional expenses could turn into a nightmare. Get a termite inspection before you negotiate a sales price. Order a termite inspection online and you're automatically signed up for our weekly drawing for a free inspection.
6. Do I have to sign a year-contract for pest control service?
   We don't have sales contracts for our pest control customers. We offer service agreements. You can have the service for as long or short as you want. When you feel you no longer need the service, call and cancel. We do offer some yearly service contracts that do offer some better rates or different types of service. Call our office today or e-mail us at steve.magruder@mmpestcontrol.com We are committed to providing quality services at economical prices.
7. Can I buy the chemicals and do it myself?
   We don't recommend that the public do any chemical applications. The labels on chemicals have directions for use, mixing, applications, disposal and warnings. Most people do not read the complete label. Leave the chemical applications to the professionals. We are licensed and have label reviews periodically and have continuing education to keep our licenses active and up to date. If you must apply something at home to kill the ants, spiders or other swarming flying insects, use Windex with ammonia, hair spray, or WD40. If you feel that you must apply some type of chemical, buy Boric acid, but please follow the instructions. It could mean your health. WE kill bugs; you perform your professional service.
8. However, the other termite man said it wouldn't work!
   Not all houses can be heat treated, and not all houses need to be fumigated. The inspector that states that a certain process doesn't work really means their company doesn't offer it. Some companies only offer fumigation or other chemical treatments. The THERMAPURE heat process is a licensed and patented process. There are only 20 licensees in the State of California.
9. The contractor of home inspector said I have termites.
   The only inspector or company that can identify termites or other wood destroying infestations or infections must be licensed by Consumer Affairs - Structural Pest Control Board. Next time they tell you that, ask to see their license. All licensees must carry with them a copy of their license or pocket license.

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HOW TO PICK A GOOD TERMITE COMPANY

1. In California, the pest control industry polices themselves through a board composed of industry and public members. It is called the Structural Pest Control Board, and is located in Sacramento, Ca.
2. Satisfied customers are the best source of information for a company's reliability, dependability, and credibility.
3. Customer satisfaction is our most important commitment. Without it, we cannot be successful.
4. Our inspections include the following:
   • Interior, exterior, attic, garage and/or carport, attached decks, subarea, foundations, abutments, and more.
   • We look for a report on: termites (all species), wood boring beetles, other wood destroying organisms, fungus infections, dry rot, and anything else that can destroy wood.
   • We also look for these conditions that are conducive to infestation and infection: Earth to wood contact points, faulty grade levels, cellulose debris in subareas, excessive moisture conditions, and more.
   • We check every inch of the building that comes in contact with the soil and make sure that termites have not entered
   • Concrete and masonry floors and walls must be examined for cracks and gaps where termites can enter
   • The entire structure must be inspected for indications of hollowed out weakened wood, and especially for signs of the termites' tubes

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We have EFFECTIVE PEST CONTROL from people you can trust that provide the skill and care needed to solve your pest problems! Contact us via our e-mail address at steve.magruder@mmpestcontrol.com or give us a call at