This page is a great place to start to find answers to the most common questions about termite and pest control services. Here are some frequently ask questions clients ask all the time. Start here, or give us a call at 888-321-BITE.
Common questions about pests and termites
What are termites?
Termites are small white, tan, or
black insects that can cause severe destruction to wooden buildings. Termite pests in California include drywood, dampwood, and subterranean species. These pests cause serious damage to wooden structures and posts and attack stored food, books, and household furniture.
How do I know if I have termites?
If you see these signs in your house, you may have termites:
- Sawdust-like piles near wood surfaces or elongated, pellet-shaped droppings.
- Dirt or mud-like tubes or trails on outside walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces. The mud tubes are typically about the diameter of a pencil but can be thicker.
- Darkening or blistering of wooden structural members (like windowsills). Wood in damaged areas is typically thin, may sound hollow, and is easily punctured with a knife or screwdriver.
- Swarming, winged insects inside the structure, especially in the spring or fall. Swarms of termites emerging from trees stumps, woodpiles, and other locations in the yard do not necessarily mean the house is infested. However, if winged termites are seen emerging from the base of a foundation wall or adjoining porches and patios, there’s a good chance the house is infested. People often confuse winged termites with ants which may swarm at the same time of year. Termites have straight antennae, uniform waists, and wings of equal size. Ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists, and longer forewings than the hind wings.
How can I get rid of termites?
Bite Away Termite and Pest Control offers several effective solutions to rid your home of termites. Depending on the severity of the infestation, and the accessibility to that area, we can perform local treatments which kill termites that are accessible. We can also provide barrier products into the ground to treat subterranean termites. If the termites have entered the inaccessible voids of the walls, roof, or crawlspace, fumigation is the superior solution to make sure you reach every nook and cranny of your home.
Can Bite Away repair my damaged wood fence?
Yes! A termite infestation can start in the exposed wood of fences, decks, and patio covers. Bite Away can repair these structures with the same quality, care, and efficiency as repairs to your house.
Does Bite Away do termite inspections for home sellers and buyers?
Yes! Our licensed termite inspectors will perform a thorough inspection of your home searching for any Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) in addition to termites. This includes carpenter ants, carpenter bees, dry rot, fungus, and moisture damage. They will also report on any conditions that – if left uncorrected – will lead to damage such as poor grading around the house, wood stumps, or wood piles near the house. You will receive a comprehensive report with photos within 24 hours. We don’t charge for residential inspections, so schedule yours today!
Pest control vs. exterminator
Pest control technicians work to change the conditions conducive to an infestation. This may involve sealing specific entry points or using baits to lure pests away from the house. Exterminators rely on pesticides and other chemicals to eliminate the unwanted pest.
Will pest control get rid of roaches?
Yes! However, keeping roaches out of structures is a collaborative effort. The occupant must agree to maintain certain cleanliness levels or the roaches will return. Roaches are very resilient creatures and therefore must be controlled consistently with ongoing treatments. Home remedies and DIY products may kill the roaches you see, but for every cockroach that exposes itself, there can be hundreds or thousands more hiding nearby.
Will pest control get rid of fleas?
Yes! Bite Away has several ways to control fleas on your property and inside your home. Flea eggs are resistant to many products, so ongoing treatments are required to break the lifecycle of a flea infestation. It is important to remember that fleas can spread by hitching a ride on rodents, other pests, and birds. If you have animals entering your home, you must treat them with flea treatment to prevent a re-infestation.
What kind of bug is this?
We can help you identify bugs or insects that you find. Simply upload the best picture you can take of the questionable creature and we’ll do our best to identify it.
Do you work on Saturday?
Yes. We can perform termite inspections, and treat for general pest control on Saturdays in most cases.
What if I see more bugs between visits?
General pest control from Bite Away comes with a pest-free guarantee. If you see a re-infestation between visits, just give us a call and we will re-treat your home at no cost.
How much is a termite inspection?
Bite Away offers free termite inspections for single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and mobile homes. Commercial properties may incur an inspection fee depending on the size of the job. Give us a call or contact us for more information.