In the real estate sales world, we deal with a lot of Termite companies as sellers need to sell their homes "termite free." In a recent transaction where Western Exterminators came to the rescue for one particular seller, I realized that many people probably don't know what is entailed in inspections, etc., so I conducted an interview with the manager of the Fresno branch of Western Exterminators, Ed Gill:
Ed was asked to tell us something about himself and his background. Ed:"I have been in the Pest Control industry since 1977. I started with a small company in the Marin/Sonoma County area. I began on the construction crew. I had also been working as a Technician and later that year received my Branch II license. I ran a Pest route for the next six years. In 1982, I interviewed with Western Exterminator Company in Oakland and went to work as a Pest Dept. Technician. In 1985, I received my branch III license and began working as a Termite Inspector. Then in 1987, I was promoted to the position of Assistant Manager in Monterey. One year later, I was promoted to the position of Manager and then put in for a lateral transfer to Fresno(where I was born & raised). So here I am, back home!"
The most commonly asked questions are:"What can I do to keep the bugs away from my house?" Ed says "First, contact a reputable Pest Control Company that will place your home on a regular service. Make sure that any and all questions are answered regarding the prep work (work that the homeowner should do before service begins). This can be submitted to you in writing for further review. Then have the Technician go over what he/she will do at every service. The cost for a regular monthly program to rid you of the "general pest" that invade your home is usually around $35-$45 per month. (Houses over 3000 square feet will be more.) Treatments of any kind are only as safe as the professional who is applying the insecticide! Care must be taken in the prep work, application and post application. In other words...READ the information given to you by the Pest Control Technician! You may want to ask for the Label and Material Safety Data Sheet of each insecticide used on your property."
"Should homeowners have any kind of routine inspections or just when they are going to sell their homes?"
Ed continues "As a 30 year veteran of the Pest Control Industry, I have always recommended to ALL of my customers;Have an inspection done on your home every two years as your home is your biggest investment! This is especially important in the mountain areas where the four seasons of rain, snow, warm and then hot appear at our doorsteps. Rest assured that the wood that our homes are made of can only take so much , especially when we need a paint job. The elements can get to the uncovered wood when paint, caulking, stain and roof coverings are in need of repair. This way, you are always aware of what is going on with your home...and you don't get that double digit dollar surprise when you want to sell your home. Many times the homeowners get upset with the Inspector because of the findings and recommendations in the report. Don't forget...we are just reporting what we have found. Doing other than that is fraud. We, the Pest Control Professionals are bound by the Laws and Regulations of The Structural Pest Control Board, State of California Dept. of Consumer Affairs. So, When you are looking for that special Company to use for your home, call (916)561-8704 and ask for the complaint dept. and see if the Company you want to use is one that you and your family will feel safe with. As many of us in this field of labor...our customers are number 1. For Western Exterminator Company, YOU, the customer, are at the TOP of our chain of command. Without you, we do not exist! If you have any questions, comments or need any information...call me at (559)251-5511."
DO you have any suggestions for future newsletter interviews? Please call or e-mail JERI at 559-855-5454, or 559-259-9992 or jerikuddes@yahoo.com
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Being a home buyer or even a seller pest inspection before dealing your property is an important thing. Moreover, you can find rats, coackroaches and other pest creating a harful environment that leads to number of diseases. I've read an aticle about pest exterminator Bronx NY that mentioned that undergoing pest inspection is the only way to get control of a pest situation before it becomes a bigger problem.
Aug 03, 2014 06:12 PM
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