Before You Sign...

It is customary to provide a warranty with termite control work, either on a year-to-year basis or for more extended periods. Plan to extend the warranty for at least the first two or three years after the treatment is made. Make sure you know exactly what warranty the firm offers. A warranty is a guarantee of service, not a guarantee of the termimte barrier. Most companies do not offer a damage repair warranty; but some companies do offer it on any new or subsequent infestation and damage.

Read the warranty carefully. Do not accept guarantees that vaguely refer to termite control. Determine whether a yearly charge will be levied during the warranty period, or whether these charges are included in the initial price. Find out how much it will cost to extend the warranty for additional years and ask how long it can be extended. Make sure you get copies of the contract and warranty for your records.

Be sure you understand:

• What areas are excluded from treatment, if any
• The warranty time period
• Renewal option(s) and cost(s)
• Obligations to retreat or repair damage caused by termites within the warranty period
• Conditions that could develop as a result of the owner's action or inaction that could void the warranty

You will probably be asked to sign a work order or contract when you hire a firm for termite work. Understand clearly what obligations you are assuming and what you will get in return.

Remember that the contract is only one aspect in choosing a pest control service. It is only as good as the company which stands behind it.