Termites? Three Questions You Must Ask The Pest Control Company

When you discover termites or termite damage on your property, the first reaction is often panic. It’s very easy to start imagining very expensive worst-case scenarios. You think of every termite infestation horror story you’ve ever heard. This is why it’s so important to take a moment, take a deep breath, and then take the time to do your research so you can make the best-informed decision possible. You’ll want to handle this situation in a way that will protect your property, your pocketbook and most importantly, your sanity.

The most sensible place to start is by calling trusted friends, family or colleagues to see if they’ve worked with someone they’d recommend. You’ll also want to consider looking at unbiased reviews for local companies on the Internet. Make sure you get at least a few estimates, and don’t necessarily choose the one with the lowest price. It may end up costing you money in the long run. Reputable companies will not be put off by knowing you’re gathering other estimates, and they shouldn’t attempt to pressure you into signing any contracts right away.

Keeping these things in mind, here are three very important questions you’ll want to ask each company you contact.

Are you licensed and insured?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are some disreputable termite companies who are operating without the proper licensing or insurance. They’re counting on your panic and concern over treatment costs to distract you from this fact. If they cannot show you current a current, active license and proof of insurance, run for the hills. Don’t take chances with what is likely your most valuable asset – your home.

How long have you been in business?

The best indicator of future success is past performance, and in the competitive termite and pest control business the length of time a company has been around is a good measure. If a company has been in the area for decades, chances are that they’ve established a good reputation and have an excellent track record. You’ll want to know that if you have any termite problems down the road, your exterminator is going to be around to help you handle it.

Do you guarantee your work?

The most reasonably priced termite treatment you can find won’t be worth a hill of beans if the company you’ve chosen doesn’t offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You need to make sure the pest control provider you sign a contract with stands by their work and is willing to make sure the job is done right.

If you suspect you have a termite infestation in your West Palm Beach, FL home and you’re in the process of choosing a pest control company, call Ambassador Pest Management. We’re licensed and insured, have been in business for over 25 years and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our work. Call today for a free inspection and service estimate!  866-632-0088

Avoiding Termite Damage in Your West Palm Beach Home

Being a South Florida homeowner comes with many joys as well as plenty of worries. While the beautiful weather, local wildlife and ocean breezes are wonderful, having your home invaded by pests is only a matter of time.  It’s often said that there are two types of homes in our area: those that have termites and those that will get them. But what can you do to help your home to avoid expensive damage and repairs? Here are some tips to help manage your risk and help to prevent the spread of of pests, particularly termites in your West Palm beach home.

Termites are unfortunately a very common sight in homes across South Florida, and they cause immense damage and property loss. In fact, it’s believed that termites account for more monetary losses than fire and floods throughout the USA.

Termites West Palm Beach Prevention Tips

Getting Rid of Excess Water

• One of the most effective prevention measures you can take to keeping the termites at bay is to seal your home off from any excess water.
• Termites thrive in damp environments, much like other insects and pests. Hopefully, you are already keen to prevent water damage and water leakage within your home, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
• Some tips for keeping excess water at bay include keeping rain water away from the foundations of your home.
• Clean your drain pipes and gutters regularly and make sure that they are facing downwards – not towards your home.
• Additionally, keep sprinklers pointed away from your home when not in use and strive to protect any water leaks as quickly as possible.

Preventing Termites from Coming Into the Woodwork

Unfortunately, it’s impossible for you to replace the wood that has built your home. But, discarding excess wood from inside and outside of your home can help to prevent termite infestations.

By taking out dead wood, you eliminate the chance having terminates in your home. You remove the thing they thrive and depend upon, and will usually stay well clear and move to a more suitable environment.

Always strive to get rid of wood debris as quickly as possible and ensure that firewood is stored as far away from your home as possible.

To get quality Termites West Palm Beach control, trust only Ambassador Pest.  With over 25 years of experience, you will be in good hands!  Visit their website today to schedule a free inspection at www.ambassadorpest.com.

Termites – Know Thy Enemy

Sure, you know about termites. But do you really know about termites? Maybe you don’t want to know about them, but arming yourself with some knowledge may save you money and rescue your house from extensive damage. Or, you might just pick up a gem that will help you win at Trivia Night! Here are some facts about these ravenous monsters from the American Pest Management Association.

Termites are EVERYWHERE (well, almost everywhere)…

Subterranean termites can be found in each of the United States, except one: Alaska. In some ways, it pays to live where your terrain is frozen.  Like many bugs and humans, they love warmer climates. Here in Florida, one of the most prevalent subterranean types is the Formosan termite. These guys may be one of the least popular imports from China ever – they’ve only been here in the US for around 50 years.

…and there are a LOT of them

For what they lack in human popularity, they more than make up for in population. A fully mature colony for the Formosan termite can house millions of them. Think we’re kidding? An enormous colony was found in the Algiers Regional Library in Louisiana weighing six hundred pounds and containing.. are you ready?… 70 MILLION termites.

How about this for a measure of how many termites there are in the world?  If you were to combine all of the known species on earth, 2,000 or so of them, their combined weight is more than all of the humans on the planet. About ten percent of the biomass in the animal world is made of termites.

Termites are very busy

If you think you snack too much, this might help you feel a bit more in control. Termites never stop eating. They’re at it 24/7, burrowing into the wood they consider their all-night buffet. They’ll feed on it until there is only an empty shell left.

Queens, depending on the species, may lay between 1,000 and 40,000 eggs per day. They’ve got a long time to do it, too. Although it’s not know for certain what the lifespan of queens may be, many have been ten years or longer, with some evidence of them living over years! Termites are assumed to have the longest adult reproductive lives of all insects.

They’re expensive houseguests

It is estimated that are responsible for about $5 billion in damage every year, with 20% of that being done by Formosan termites. The Formosan termite has gotten the reputation as a “super-species” due to its destructive nature, infesting at least 11 states as of this writing.  One colony of them is capable of consuming nearly 1,000 pounds of wood per year, as opposed to around seven pounds for native termites. That same colony could eat a home’s entire structure in two years time.

Out of all the household pests, termites are the most common reason for calling pest control professionals.  A fifth of surveyed homeowners responded that of their pest control concerns, termites were the largest worry. About three-quarters of households require calling in the big guns to get the problem under control.

If you find yourself facing a termite problem, don’t go it alone. Ambassador Pest  Management in West Palm Beach, FL has over 25 years experience helping people just like you get rid of the termites and get back your piece of mind. Contact Ambassador today for a free, no-obligation inspection. Remember, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pest Control Company in West Palm Beach, FL (Part 1)

When you discover a pest control problem in your home, you might feel overwhelmed and you may not be thinking as clearly as you usually do. Finding an experienced professional who can get the job done, and get it done right, is paramount. But where do you start? How do you find the right pest control company?

We’ve compiled a list of ten things that are important to consider when choosing the right company for you. We’ll take a look at the first five here, and follow up with the remainder of them in an upcoming post.

Take a Look at their History

When you discover pests in your home, there’s a good chance that you’ll either search the Internet for “Pest Control West Palm Beach” or even check the Yellow Pages. In either case, you’ll get dozens of results. Which one should you choose? Look for a companies that have been in business for a long time. If they’ve been around awhile, there’s a reason for that. Compile a short list of those, and call each to see what they have to offer you. A reputable company will offer a free, no-obligation inspection and a written estimate.

Make Sure They’re Licensed

You want to find a company who is operating on the up-and-up, and one that is registered with the state. There are a lot of fly-by-night operators out there, and when you’re investing in your home, you don’t want to take chances. Ask for their license or look them up online.

Take Your Time Making Your Decision

Oftentimes, our first inclination at the sign of a pest problem is to act quickly. Not taking the time to do the research can be costly, however. Inexperience, the wrong tools or chemicals, and insufficient application can result in an incomplete job eradicating the pests, damage to your home or injury to your pets or loved ones. Don’t rush into a decision! The “Measure Twice, Cut Once” principle applies here.

Don’t Take the Word of a Door-to-Door Salesman as Gold

If someone shows up at your door uninvited, warning you of a problem you didn’t even know you had, and offering an expensive solution, get a second opinion. Unfortunately there are some scammy operators out there looking to take advantage of homeowners just trying to do the right thing for their house. Don’t sign or agree to anything until you’ve had a reputable company (or two or three) out to inspect.

Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

Living in Florida, chances are you know someone who’s dealt with a pest control problem. Knowing about their experiences, both good and bad, can save you from making a costly and regrettable choice. That’s what friends are for, right?

Follow along for the other five things in our next post, 10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Pest Control Company in West Palm Beach, FL (Part 2). In the meantime, if you have a pest control problem here in West Palm Beach, FL, consider calling Ambassador Pest Management today. We’ve been a family-owned and operated business for over 25 years, and we’d love to put our experience to work for you!