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  • General Pest & Termite Control

    • What is the Difference Between Pest Control and an Exterminator?

      Pest control and extermination are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different approaches to managing pest problems.

      Pest control is a proactive approach to managing pests that focuses on preventing infestations before they occur. This may involve regular inspections, identifying and sealing entry points, eliminating food and water sources, and using repellents or traps to prevent pests from entering a structure. Pest control is designed to be a long-term solution for managing pests, rather than a one-time fix. 

      Extermination, on the other hand, is a reactive approach to managing pests that focuses on eliminating an existing infestation. This may involve using chemical treatments, traps, or other methods to kill or remove pests from a structure. Extermination is typically a short-term solution for managing pests, as it does not address the underlying causes of the infestation. Without follow-up pest control measures, there is a risk that the infestation will return.

    • Can’t I just treat the pests myself?

      Yes, you can but it will not be as effective as using a professional. The reason there are so many pest control companies is because it is hard to control pest infestations.  Our licensed technicians know exactly how to build up and maintain a pest barrier around your home and the products we use are not available to the general public. 

    • What happens after my warranty expires?

      Your warranty will never expire as long as you maintain your regular pest service with us.

    • What if I notice pests in-between my scheduled sprays?

      If you are on a service plan with us, SERVICE CALLS ARE FREE so just give us a call and we will come treat.

    • What is your warranty?

      All pest services come with a full warranty and free service calls in between your scheduled visits. Even our One time service has a 30 day warranty.

    • How does the Quarterly plan work?

      On your first visit we will treat the interior and exterior of your home, eliminating most pests you have in and around your home. During that initial visit we also create a barrier around your home. This will allow the treatment to work on all the pests trapped inside the barrier and stop any new pests from getting in.  After that initial visit we will come out quarterly to maintain the barrier around your home. We normally only need to treat the interior once per year and the exterior barrier every 3 months. You may see an uptick in activity the first few days after each treatment as the pests try to get away but after a week you should be pest free.  If you need us, call us as our service calls are free.   

    • There are a million pest control companies, why should we choose Kilter?

      We are always one of the top-rated companies in the service industry plus we have over 30 years of experience solving Southern CA’s unique pest control issues. Our low impact products and services are highly effective and are available at great prices, which is very important these days. Our commitment to customer care and fast service is why we are one of the highest rated and fastest growing pest control companies in the USA.  All of that plus we are a one call pest company, that means no matter what the pest issue is – we can solve it.

    • What pests are covered under a standard residential pest control service?

      Ants, spiders, silverfish, earwigs, beetles, stink bugs, crickets, centipedes/millipedes plus a few more. We also treat roaches, fleas, bedbugs, termite, rodents and more but a few of those may require a free inspection.

    • Is Kilter licensed and insured?

      Yes, our company and all technicians are licensed and insured in CA.

    • How much does it cost?

      Generally, our standard residential pest control is $95 every 3 months with an annual agreement, we also offer a one time pest blast for $199 and bees, roaches, fleas and bed bugs require a free pest inspection. If your home is over 4000 sq feet there may be a small upcharge.

    • How do I protect my family and home from termite and rot damage?
      The most important step is to contact a pest control professional in your area for a complete inspection. Complete the recommendations and then ask the company for an extendable warranty.
    • What is the difference between tenting a house for termites and other treatments?
      Fumigation, also known as tenting, is one of the treatment options for dealing with Drywood termites. Localized “spot” treatment controls only the Drywood termite activity in the specific area and often involves drilling into infested areas. Drywood termite activity in the area is treated and a warranty for untreated areas may also be available. Ask you Kilter Representative for details. Keep in mind that control methods for Drywood termites do not control subterranean termites.
    • I have active termites, how much damage can they do?
      Subterranean termites would not be expected to create significant damage in a short period of time, but can cause severe damage over an extended period of time if left untreated. Kilter recommends you take action as soon as possible to begin the control process.
    • When are termites most common?

      Once a colony is established, termites are a year-round problem. However, there is an increase in colony expansion activity during warm weather.

    • Can I treat my house for termites myself?

      Legally yes, but total gallons of solution required to properly treat an average size structure can easily be 200, 300, or even 400 gallons. Unless you have the proper equipment, properly treating your home could be difficult and time consuming. In addition, the termiticides available to the homeowner for termite treatments are limited, and if bought retail, they may be expensive. Therefore, unless you are experienced and have the proper equipment, it is best to let a pest management professional treat the structure.

    • The pest control technician told me that for my own safety, I should leave the house during the treatment. Is that necessary?
      To ensure that the treatment is being done properly, the homeowner should observe the treatment process. Unless the homeowner is chemically sensitive, there should not be any adverse health problems associated with a treatment done correctly. Ask questions of the pest control technicians. Keep track of how long it takes them to do the job.
    • My next-door neighbor has termites and is going to have his house treated. I've been told that the termites will attack mine.
      Termites move randomly through the soil searching for a source of food (wood). They do not have the ability to know exactly where your house is. So, if your next-door neighbor treats his home for termites, your house isn’t automatically the termites’ next lunch. No, your house does not need to be treated; but, if there are active termite infestations in your neighborhood, it is a good idea to have it inspected.
    • How do I know if I am getting a good inspection?

      The best thing you can do is to be involved and observant in the inspection process. For example if you request an inspection and the inspector doesn’t inspect obvious areas such as your garage, attic, basement, etc., then you may need to consult an additional company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

    • How long do we have to be out of the house?
      Fumigation process normally takes 3 days and 2 nights unless there is a holiday or weekends or if special arrangements are made. Kilter’s Stay in Your Home termite treatment requires no leaving your home at all.
    • If there are termites found at my home does that mean I will have to Fumigate?
      No. The first step is an inspection and only after that inspection can your Kilter Representative give you options for control. Some termites cannot be controlled by fumigation.
  • Subterranean Termites

    • Have I been “cheated” if subterranean termites still infest my house when treatment?

      Not necessarily. Unlike alternative services like plumbing or electrical work, termite management involves living creatures. The best treatments performed by knowledgeable companies might fail from time to time when termites notice their means through small, untreated gaps in the soil. While the intent is to establish a nonstop, impenetrable chemical barrier, this can be all however not possible to attain in actual application.

      The secret is to hire a reputable pest control firm using experienced, conscientious technicians. Kilter Termite will come and retreat affected area(s) at no additional charge provided the service agreement is purchased and maintained.

    • Can the chemicals damage my family or pets?
      Termiticides are tested extensively for adverse effects on health. Before a product will be used, various studies are conducted by the manufacturer and independently evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Based on this body of data, registered termiticides pose no significant hazard to humans, pets or the atmosphere when applied in line with label directions. Despite the negligible health risk from a properly performed termite treatment, individuals with lingering concerns should consult their physician. Most of the newer liquid products have basically no odor. Clients who are still apprehensive could wish to contemplate having their home treated with baits.
    • How long can the treatment last?
      Kilguard Treatments are intended to manage termites for a minimum of 5 years when applied in step with label directions. The actual length of management on a given structure will rely on such factors as the thoroughness of the application, environmental conditions, and density of termites in the realm. If termites swarm once more and continue to be a problem the year once the treatment, it’s sometimes not from degradation of the termiticide — but because termites have found an untreated gap within the chemical barrier. The system comes with an initial 2 year warranty.
    • Does the whole house want to be treated or will they simply treat areas where I see termites?

      Subterranean termite colonies could contain tons of thousands of individuals, foraging in many different directions. For the house owner, localized or “spot” treatments are usually a bet except in cases of retreatment. Most reputable pest management firms can not warranty spot treatments, since it’s possible that termites can eventually find different points of entry into the structure.

      Some companies might provide to do a therefore-called “perimeter” treatment, using one amongst the non-repellent liquid termiticides (Termidor, Premise, etc.). Sometimes this will involve an intensive application around the whole outside foundation wall of the building, and spot-treating any infested or high-risk interior areas. If the homeowner is considering such a treatment, they ought to inquire whether it will be in the course of a service agreement in case termites come. (Service renewal agreements sometimes state that if termites come back, the corporate will return and retreat the affected areas at no additional charge provided the renewal agreement is maintained.) It’s a bit of a gamble to purchase any termite treatment option without an ongoing service agreement.

    • What treatment ways and products are most effective for subterranean termites?
      Another difficult question. There are 2 general classes of termite treatment, liquids, and baits. Soil-applied liquid termiticides are around for decades. Their purpose is to provide a protracted-lasting chemical barrier that excludes termites in the ground from coming into buildings. In most cases, termites within the structure die off likewise, since they can not come back to the soil. Most former merchandise was repellent rather than lethal to termites foraging in the soil. Newer materials, like Premise® (imidacloprid), Termidor® (fipronil), and Phantom® (chlorfenapyr), are non-repellent and termites tunneling into the treatment zone are killed. Overall the non-repellent product is proving to be a lot of reliable in its ability to resolve termite issues in the primary try. All registered termiticides (each repellent and non-repellent) will be effective, however, and owners ought to not base their purchasing call on product alone.
    • How do I select a termite control company? Why is there such variance in value?

      These are advanced questions. The corporate ought to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture or agency responsible for regulating termite management within the state. Membership in their state pest control association and/or National Pest Management Association counsel the corporate is an established firm with access to technical and coaching info needed to do the duty properly. As with any service company, references are invaluable. Think about calling at least 2-three corporations. Requesting inspections and estimates from more than one can help verify the existence of a termite downside and permit you to match services.

      Companies provide totally different types of treatment strategies and warranties. If termites happen to come back, most will retreat to the affected area(s) at no extra charge. Some corporations also can repair harm occurring beyond their treatment, although dating the onset of damage could be an onerous thing to see. In some cases, no warranty can be offered if wells, cisterns, heating ducts, drainage systems, or inaccessible crawl spaces make it not possible to treat in accordance with business standards.

      Take your time when selecting an organization. Large subterranean Termite colonies eat wood rapidly; the quantity of injury caused by taking an additional day, week, or month to create an informed decision generally is insignificant. Avoid companies that strive to pressure you into signing a contract immediately with “specials” or scare tactics. The overall quality of the job depends less on the salesperson than on the individual who does the work. A safe and effective treatment needs an experienced technician, not somebody who was hired some weeks ago.

    • Can I treat the house myself?

      Ridding a home of termites requires special skills. Data of building construction is required to identify the essential areas where termites are possible to enter. Several of these potential points of entry are hidden and troublesome to access. Termite control also utilizes specialized equipment like masonry drills, pumps, large-capacity tanks, and soil treatment rods. A typical treatment could involve tons of gallons of a liquid pesticide, referred to as a termiticide, injected into the ground alongside the muse, beneath concrete slabs, and inside foundation walls.

      In short, termite treatment is a job for professionals. An attainable exception would be if a mailbox post, sandbox or another little picket object not attached to the house was infested. “Do-it-yourself” products, sold to householders at retail stores or bought over the web, will seldom eradicate an existing termite downside.

    • How will I know if my home is infested?

      Discovering winged termites indoors whether subterranean or drywood almost perpetually indicates an infestation warranting treatment. Folks usually confuse winged subterranean termites with ants, which often swarm at the identical time of year. Termites can be differentiated by their straight antennae, uniform waist and wings of equal size. (Ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists and fore wings that are longer than the hind wings.)

      The swarmers are interested in light and are often seen around windows and doors. Termite swarmers emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, and other locations out within the yard don’t seem to be essentially caused for concern and don’t essentially mean that the home is infested. On the opposite hand, if winged termites are seen rising from the bottom of a foundation wall or adjoining porches and patios, there’s a good chance the home is infested conjointly and treatment could be warranted.

      They Look Different

      Alternative signs of infestation for subterranean termites are earthen (mud) tubes (shown right) extending over foundation walls, support piers, sill plates, floor joists, etc. The mud tubes are sometimes concerning the diameter of a pencil, but sometimes can be thicker.

      Termites construct these tubes for shelter as they travel between their underground colonies and also the structure. To facilitate verify if an infestation is active, the tubes might be broken open and checked for the presence of little, creamy-white employee termites.

      If a tube happens to be vacant, it will not essentially mean that the infestation is inactive; termites usually abandon sections of tube while foraging elsewhere within the structure.

      Termite-broken wood is usually hollowed out along the grain, with bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Wood damaged by moisture or alternative varieties of insects (e.g., carpenter ants) can not have this appearance. Occasionally termites bore tiny holes through plaster or drywall, in the course of bits of soil around the margin. Rippled or sunken traces behind wall coverings will additionally be indicative of termites tunneling underneath.

      Oftentimes there can be no visible indication that the house is infested. Termites are cryptic creatures and infestations can go undetected for years, hidden behind walls, floor coverings, insulation, and alternative obstructions. Termite feeding and injury can even progress undetected in wood that is exposed as a result of the outer surface is typically left intact.

      Confirmation of infestation often needs the keen eye of an experienced termite inspector. But, even the most experienced inspector can overlook infestation or harm that is hidden.

    • Why are infestations often discovered during March -May?

      Spring sometimes is when large numbers of subterranean winged termites, called “swarmers,” emerge within homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites emerge from the colony and fly into the air.

      Termites burrow in and begin reproducing immediately for colony production. The swarmers then drop to the bottom, shed their wings, combine off with a mate, and attempt to start new colonies within the soil. Few swarmers rising outdoors survive to start new colonies. Swarmers rising indoors are incapable of eating wood, seldom survive, and are best removed with a vacuum. They do, but, indicate that an infestation is present.

    • Why worry regarding termites?
      Termites cause billions of dollars in wood damage every year. They primarily take advantage of wood, however additionally harm paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, however, additional typically a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline. While buildings might become infested at any time, termites are of particular importance when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale. Besides the financial impact, thousands of winged termites rising inside one’s home are an emotionally trying experience — not to mention the thought of termites silently feasting on one’s largest investment.
  • Rodent Control

    • Are there any DIY solutions I could try before getting a rodent inspection?

      Yes, here are a few tidbits; make sure all food is completely sealed (no open chip bags or cereal boxes). Keep the inside and outside of your home clutter free (don’t make it easy for rodents to hide in or around your home). Use a trash bag for everything (even recyclables). Clean up and hose/wipe down any areas where pet food is frequently spilled (like around your dog food dish) Here is one super secret pest control tidbit – rodents do not like MINT so plant some around your home…it will help. If you have tried all of these and you still have rodents, let us solve the issue for you.

    • What do I need to do to prepare for a treatment?

      Not a lot, just make sure all the areas we need to treat are accessible and make sure any pets that may be stressed by our visit are in a safe area.

    • What happens after my warranty expires?

      Your warranty is extendable.  We will contact you 30 days before your warranty expires and give you the option to extend it through our Pest + plan. This is a cost-effective way to control pests and rodents.

    • What is your warranty?

      We have the best rodent warranty in the business: YOUR HOME IS UNDER WARRANTY FOR 2 FULL YEARS!

    • How much does it cost?

      Our rodent inspections are free. It is important we start with an inspection so we can give you an accurate estimate. Treatment cost depends on the size of your home and the level of infestation we find. A few other factors are if you have rats or mice, are they getting into your insulation and the areas around your home (standing water, construction, etc).

  • Termite Control

    • Why Quarterly service instead of Monthly or Bi-Monthly?

      Our pest control chemicals and the barrier our technicians create generally last for 90-120 days.  Monthly or every other month service is normally overkill.  No need to spray extra chemicals around your home and pay for extra serivce if it’s not needed plus our Quarterly service plan comes with free services calls in-between visits so if you need us earlier then expected, just call us and we will come treat for no charge?

    • What is the difference between a fumigation (tenting) and a Stay in Your Home termite treatment?

      There are several differences, besides generally being more expensive a fumigation requires a ton of work by you before the tent even goes up.  Here is a sample: You must bag or remove all fresh or opened food, open all drawers, cabinets, closets and doors, remove all plants and pets, remove or bag all medicines and personal products, bag or remove anything that you may ever ingest in the future, clear a 2-3 foot area around the exterior of your home and soak it with water, arrange for your gas to be shut off the day before and re-connected the day after your fumigation, leave your home for 2-3 days and mentally prepare for a few broken roof tiles as workers must walk on your roof to properly hang the tent. All of this and the moment the tent is removed, there is nothing to stop flying termites from re-entering your home. Fumigations also do not treat subterranean termites which is one of the 2 types of termites CA homeowners usually deal with. Our “No Moving Out” termite treatment Kilguard covers both drywood and subterranean termites.

    • How long does your treatment last?

      In most cases, our “Stay in Your Home” termite treatments have a 7 year residual life.

    • Is your treatment better then Orange Oil?

      We looked into Orange Oil several years ago but decided against using it.  It has a very short residual life, plus termites can easily detect it so they just move away or around it and re-establish their colony in another part of your home.

    • What do I need to do to prepare for a treatment?

      Not a lot! Just make sure all the areas we need to treat are accessible, and keep the kids and pets away from those areas for a couple hours after we finish.

    • What happens after my 2 year warranty expires?

      Your warranty is extendable.  We will contact you 30-90 days before your warranty expires and give you the option to extend it. If you decide to extend it, we will service another full inspection and re-treat any areas needed.

    • Seriously?

      Yes! Let’s say we find and treat termites in your attic, but 8 months later you notice possible termite activity in your downstairs bathroom – No Problem, give us a call and we will come treat at no charge since your whole home is under warranty.

    • What is your warranty?

      We have an amazing warranty of 2 years. But the best part is, no matter what part of your home we originally treat, YOUR WHOLE HOME IS UNDER WARRANTY FOR 2 FULL YEARS!!

    • How much does it cost?

      Our inspections are free. Treatment cost depends on the size of your home and the type of termites our inspector finds.