FAQ

About Doug's Bugs

How much does a termite inspection cost?

The cost of a termite inspection varies based on the location, square footage, and type of building being inspected. Please see our price list.

How quickly will I receive my Termite Inspection Report?

We usually have our reports sent out on the next business day.

When you do a termite inspection what do you inspect for?

During a termite inspection we look for wood destroying pests and organisms as well as any damage caused by wood destroying pests and organisms. Some examples are fungus, dry rot, termites, beetles, carpenter ants and water damage. We also look for any conditions that may lead to damage or infestations if the conditions are not corrected.

What is the difference between a section one item and a section two item?

Active wood destroying infestations and infections, and conditions that have caused, or have been caused by, wood destroying infestations or infections are all listed as section one items. Some common examples include fungus and fungus damage, dry rot, and structural water damage. The infestation of any wood destroying pest, such as drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites, carpenter ants, and wood boring beetles also qualifies as a section one item.

Section two items are conditions that are likely to become, or contribute to, section one items if recommendations outlined in the inspection report are not performed. Some examples of section two items that are commonly encountered are faulty grade conditions, voids or deterioration to the exterior of the dwelling, deterioration and debris to roof surfaces and perimeter rain gutters, limited ventilation in attics and substructures, active plumbing leaks, and voids and deterioration to bathroom surfaces, just to name a few.

How long is a report good for?

Technically, there is no set time limit on a report to remain valid. However, if a certification/clearance of the property is required, all of the section one work must be completed within four months from the date of the original inspection.

What is a clearance or certification?

The words "clearance" and "certification" are interchangeable in this business. When a licensed inspector issues a clearance, he is certifying that the property is free and clear of any wood destroying infestation or infection in the visible and accessible areas.

If I have your company inspect my property, can you also perform the repairs and/or treatments recommended?

Yes, we can. Doug is a licensed chemical applicator and we have a wonderful repair crew who have a great deal of knowledge and experience in construction and home repairs.

How long do you guarantee the repairs and treatments that you perform?

We guarantee all structural repairs that we perform for one year. The length of a guarantee given for chemical treatments varies, as every home and every treatment is different. Usually, we give a five year guarantee for subterranean termite treatments, and a two year guarantee for fumigations. The guarantee for drywood termite treatments can vary from no guarantee to a two year guarantee, depending on the type of treatment performed. Again, every home and every treatment is unique, so these guarantees are not set. Please contact our office for further information, or to schedule a time for Doug to perform an inspection of your property and discuss treatment options with you.

Can I speak with Doug directly?

Of course! If at any time you wish to speak with Doug regarding questions or concerns about an inspection or repairs, or for any other reason, please let our office know and Doug will be paged to call you as soon as possible.

What chemicals do you use?

Primaritly Termidore and Tim-Bor. Check out the treatment chemicals page

About Termites

Will termites move to my neighbor's house if I have my house treated?

No. The termite treatment product is a non-repellent. Termites pick it up and bring it back to the colony where it kills. Plus, there are so many termite colonies in a neighborhood that what happens to one doesn't affect the other.

Should I be concerned if termites are eating dead trees near to my home?

Not really. It's natural for termites to eat dead wood. There is so much dead wood all around that eating a visibly fallen tree is not an issue. If the dead tree is right up against your house, then getting rid of it might be a good idea.

Are termites attracted to firewood stacked near my house?

Sure. Termites like to eat all dead wood. But they're not "attracted", it's random. Termites are random foragers. Wood boring beatles lying dormant in cut firewood and becoming active is a greater risk. Plus, firewood rarely sits for more than a season because it's burned. Fire kills termites.

Are termites attracted to the mulch I spread over my garden?

Not particularly, no, because mulch is not wood. Plus most mulch is made from bark, which termites don't like. Wood chips, however, could be a rick because termites like to eat all dead wood, not chips in particular, so the risk of "attraction" is quite low. A barrier laid down under wood chips is also a good and inexpensive termite deterrent.

Is there a season when termites do more damage than other seasons?

No. Termites appear to be more active in the spring and fall because those are their swarming seasons and they are more visible.

Can termites live in colder weather?

Yes. Termites are masters of climate control and live in all climates.

What's the difference between carpenter ants and termites?

Carpenter ants and termites are both insects, have a similar shape and destroy wood, but other than that ants and termites are completely different pests. Ant's don't eat wood, they bore into it to make nests, so they live in the wood. Termites eat the wood and live in the ground. Carpenter ants and termites are mortal enemies.