Wayne Cowart and Associates

  Termite Damage Investigations and Consulting Service

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Question 1:   When I buy a home, what records should I make sure I get at the closing about the pest control contract and coverage on the home?

Answer:    All records from date of treatment.  The seller may provide these for you or if he has not kept them, ask him to request them from the pest control company prior to closing.

Question 2:   Is a "Clearance Letter" and "Wood Destroying Organism Letter" the same thing?

Answer:    Yes            

Question 3:   How long is a Clearance Letter or WDO Report good for?

          Answer:    Depends on your state requirements.  It is usually good from 1 month to 1 year.

Question 4:   What is the difference between a "Termite Bond" and a "Termite Guarantee"?

Answer:    The pest control industry hasn't, as a matter of standard practice, issued "termite bonds" since the 1960's.  Instead, pest control companies issue termite guarantees.  A "guarantee" is merely a commitment to perform certain functions during the contract period.  A bond, on the other hand, is an instrument backed by an insurance company.  Unless a consumer specifically request to be named as an "Additional Insured" on the pest control company's insurance policy, they have NO direct relationship with the company's insurance carrier.  Always demand to be named as an additional insured and get an Accord form from the insurance company proving it.  (Not all states require pest control companies to carry insurance.)

Question 5:  What do I look for in a pest control company when I need my home inspected and treated for termites?     

Answer:     We suggest you "get to know" the companies you're considering.  Take a day or two to investigate the background of selected companies.  Talk directly to the person that has authority to authorize repairs to your home should their treatment fail.  Get something in writing proving their authority to authorize future repair if necessary.  Call the Better Business Bureau and the State Regulatory Authority that regulates the pest control industry in your state.  Ask about complaints and always ask the regulatory agency about any violations the company has had investigated and get the details.  If your local newspaper or T.V. station has a Help Line ask them for suggestions. 

The main thing to remember is that termites are not going to eat your home down in the next 24 hours so slow down and make an informed decision.

Question 6:   What information should I ask for from the pest control company once I have decided which company to go with?

         Answer     1)  Repair and Re-treatment Guarantee.

                             2)  Copy of the contract (filled out completely).

                             3)  Graph (detailed drawing of your home showing all areas of damage)

                             4)  Treating Specifications (detail of exactly how and where your home will be

                                   treated.

                             5)  Chemical Use Records (Copy of Chemical Label and Material Safety Data

                                  Sheet).

Question 7:   How long will a termite treatment be effective?

Answer:    Varies greatly from not effective at all to several years depending on a large number of variables.

Question 8:   When I first find termites in my home and I call my pest control company, what should I do when they deny responsibility? 

Answer:    Call us immediately!  We have worked for several clients that had ongoing lawsuits when we were called in.  However, many cases can be settled without expensive lawsuits by using our vast knowledge of the pest control industry to "expose" the error of the company's ways to them.  Often companies will settle disputes once they realize their errors can be proven.

Question 9:   What should I do when I find termites in my home and I have a contract with a pest control company?

         Answer:    1)  Take pictures or video

                             2)  Document whom and when you speak to someone at the pest control

                                   company

                             3)  Record the visit of the person whom has come out to see the termite

                                  damage (this should be the Branch Manager/Owner only)

                             4)  DO NOT allow treatment to be done prior to the branch manager coming

                                  out to see the damage and accepting liability for repairs in writing.

                                  Most  termite guarantees require the presence of live termites otherwise the

                                  company isn't responsible for damages.  Don't let them destroy the

                                  evidence

                                  (live termites) before they accept liability.

Question 10:   Are pest control companies obligated to make sure that customers understand all the print on their contracts?

Answer:    Ultimately it is the customers responsibility to fully understand what he/she is signing.

Question 11:   Are pest control companies regulated by the state government?

         Answer:     Yes, usually by the Department of Agriculture but this varies from state to state.

Question 12:   If pest control companies are regulated by the state, why are pest control companies allowed to continue to do improper treatments, forge re-inspections, deny legitimate claims, loose customers files, etc?

Answer:    The pest control industry has some fine companies doing an excellent job.  However, every industry has some bad apples.

Question 13:   What is the best termite chemical currently in use?

Answer:   Depends on the type of soil, type of construction, method of application and on and on and on.  Have your pest control company manager tell you why they intend to use the products selected for your property.

Question 14:   Are pest control companies always responsible for termite damage if they're treatment fails?

Answer:    No.  Termite control is not an exact science.  However, all companies are responsible for fulfilling contractual obligations.

Question 15:   Are termite "Baits" effective?

Answer:   Termite "Baits" can be an effective tool in termite treatment but should not be considered the "silver bullet"!

Question 16:   If I need to hire a lawyer to go after my pest control company, how do I choose one?

Answer: Ask for references (other clients) that the attorney has represented concerning termite damage.  Call the references!  Make sure the attorney has successfully recovered damages specifically related t termites.  Remember, the pest control industry is over 100 years old and many law firms have specialized in defending them for decades.  You deserve the opportunity to have legal experience on your side.  Don't settle for less!

Send mail to pestinvestigate@bellsouth.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 04/11/06