State Strictest on Termite Exterminators

Even if you’ve never noticed any termites, you’ll probably need an inspection and possible treatment for the wood-eating insects before you sell your house or buy a resale home.

It’s essential to hire a trustworthy company with well-trained operators, experts emphasize. The pesticides used to kill termites are toxic and must be handled properly to avoid damage to your health and home.

California is considered one of the strictest states for pesticide testing and operator licensing requirements.

In 1932, 25 companies organized the Pest Control Operators of California as as trade group to guard against abuses by “itinerant pest control imposters” who were giving the business a bad name, said John Munro, the group’s director of education.

The group set professional standards and lobbied to establish the pest control board in 1935.

Like other home-improvement areas, pest control has its share of scams, and consumers need to be cautious, said Maureen Sharp, an official with the state Structural Pest Control Board, which regulates pest control operators.

Unscrupulous operators might tell you that treatment is necessary when it’s not, or apply water instead of a chemical.

Call the pest control board to check if a company is licensed and in good standing. A legitimate business will readily give you its license number and references, and shouldn’t pressure you to make a decision on the spot. Termites work slowly, and waiting a few weeks won’t make much difference.

You can also ask friends for recommendations, and get several estimates, Sharp said. If two estimates differ substantially, ask for an explanation.

However, both may be right, said Carl Smitley, a board specialist who investigates complaints.

For example, it’s often a judgment call whether drywood termites can be eradicated by treating one wall, or if they’re likely to be chewing throughout the house, requiring fumigation.

Besides checking on a company’s record, how can you be sure if a termite treatment is safe and effective?

The Environmental Protection Agency requires pesticide manufacturers to provide data that support their safety and effectiveness claims. Pesticides cannot be sold unless they have agency approval. Ones that have been in use for long periods are now being re-examined under tougher current standards, which could lead to more controls on their use.

The agency does not approve pest killing devices, said spokesman Albert Heier. They are supposed to be listed with the EPA, but that only means the agency has a record of them, not that it endorses those products.

California also requires pesticide tests demonstrating effectiveness under local conditions before it will grant approval for use, but there’s no provision for approving non-chemical methods like the Electro-Gun and Thermal Pest Eradication.

That could change soon. Assemblyman Byron Sher (D-Palo Alto) introduced a bill in March that would authorize the pest control board to test pest control devices and prohibit ones that aren’t effective, said legislative aide Christopher Carlisle.

The PCOC trade group proposed the bill because it gets a lot of calls from members and consumers asking how effective various new devices are.

Even with effective methods, new termites can arrive soon after treatment, especially if a house isn’t well protected.

Because new termites can appear so quickly, companies are not responsible for conditions that develop after their visit. However, complaints can be filed up to two years from the date of inspection or treatment.

So, although companies are not required to guarantee their treatment, most will do so for a year or two as a good business practice, and re-treat if more termites appear, Munro said.

Companies also offer a service contract after the guarantee expires. For about $60 to $400 a year, they will make an annual inspection and do needed work. The cost depends on the size and condition of your house, and how much work the company agrees to do.

Sharp said a contract can be useful if you’ve had a lot of termite problems in the past.