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Be Aware Of Termite Contracts

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Special To Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging residents to take the time to investigate companies they may be considering for termite protection.

His warning comes as some areas of the state are experiencing drywood termite infestations.

While subterranean termites cause the majority of damage to homes, drywood termites can also be destructive. Since drywood termites do not need to maintain contact with the soil, they should be treated by tent fumigation or liquid treatments applied directly to the infested lumber. Licensed pest management professionals have the expertise to inspect buildings and treat them to prevent an infestation or provide treatment when the insects are found.

Termite control companies are required to provide written contracts before treating for termites and to clearly inform customers the types of termites they are treating of termites - subterranean or drywood or both.

Homeowners also need to read the fine print and find out exactly what the contract covers. The contract should specify what the company will do to protect your home and whether they will treat, re-treat, or repair any damage if a termite infestation occurs. Pest control companies are legally obligated to abide by the terms of the contract.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates, licenses and inspects pest control companies to ensure they are adhering to rules.

Consumers can contact the department at 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352) to find out whether a pest control company is properly licensed, to find out how many consumer complaints have been filed against a particular business and to learn about the various types of termite control contracts.

Most pest control operations in Florida are licensed and have the proper training. But there are unlicensed companies in operation, and it is important to check out any businesses before signing a contract. Bronson's Division of Agricultural Environmental Services conducts sweeps throughout the state to find and shut down illegal operators who may put people in danger by misusing chemicals.

For more information about termite protection, visit http://www.FloridaTermiteHelp.org.

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