Termite control companies are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Great Wall Termite Control sets itself apart by being a truly local company, which, as Service Manager Andrew O’Hara says, isn’t always a given in the industry. “Everyone who works here lives in and around San Jose/Santa Clara County, and we all gravitated toward this company because we were looking to better serve our community. Focusing on local talent allows us to provide a great value for our clients and help our inspectors and employees thrive.”

Great Wall Termite Control has been providing termite control and related wood-destroying organism services for residential, commercial and industrial clients in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties since 2017. The company utilizes conventional treatments with reputable brands. It performs primarily localized, soil, fumigation and preventative treatments to control for wood-destroying organisms. It also has the in-house capabilities to perform light wood repairs on damaged structures.

Instead of selling expensive ongoing contracts in an effort to increase its profit margins, Great Wall Termite Control works to deliver what’s appropriate for each client’s specific situation. “We’re here to do right by our clients, and we make that clear from the moment we meet them,” affirms Inspector Shawn. “We don’t have a sales process—it’s more like consulting, where we’ll go to a customer’s home and determine which treatments will work best. We’re always looking to give them the best possible value.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Great Wall Termite Control prioritizes existing customers over seeking out new business and treats those customers equally. “This is a service-based industry, and we want each client’s experience to be as smooth as possible,” says Inspector Dean Cautivo. “It doesn’t matter which ZIP code they’re in—we provide a consistent experience so they can rest assured that they’re getting the best possible value.”

Termite control treatments shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
Wood-destroying organisms and their infestations take different forms, and severity can vary. Depending on the location, type and degree of infestation, remedies may include treatment, repair or corrective/preventive work. That’s why homeowners need to work with termite control contractors that tailor their services to each situation rather than treating every job the same.

“Most homeowners aren’t particularly savvy in terms of what termite work entails,” shares Dean Cautivo, inspector at Great Wall Termite Control in San Jose. “They might know they need termite control services, but they don’t understand the different treatments or which one is right for them. Sometimes a treatment isn’t necessary if corrective work is performed for pests such as dampwood termites.”

Mr. Cautivo says homeowners can protect themselves by getting thorough inspections and proposals from more than one contractor and understanding what each company is offering. “Sometimes the way a report is worded can make a huge difference in the actual scope of treatment. For example, if a company says they only treat in probable areas of entry, it might mean a spot treatment or a full perimeter. You may not be able to differentiate between services, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting.”

Mr. Cautivo confirms that, depending on the situation, spot treatments can be just as valid as fumigation, and less heavy-handed approaches can save money and be gentler on the environment. However, he cautions that if you see termites in or around your home, getting a professional’s opinion right away is crucial. “Some homeowners can identify termite infestations from the outside of a building, but it takes a knowledgeable professional with the right tools to identify infestations inside wood framing and sub-areas of the home that can be difficult to access,” he says. “Once the presence of termites is established, you’ll need a licensed professional to eradicate them, prevent them from returning and assess whether structural repairs are needed.”

Q: How much do termite inspections and treatments cost?
A: It depends on the location and size of your home, the severity of the infestation, and other setup factors. Once we determine those details, we can provide you with an accurate quote. We can give you a rough estimate if information is provided.

Q: How long will it take to fumigate my home?
A: It usually takes less than 48 hours. First, we’ll set up the structure, form a seal and introduce the fumigation products. Everything has to circulate for 24 hours before we aerate the structure for at least 12 hours. Then we’ll test the air quality, and once it’s within permissible limits, we’ll take down the fumigation tarps and clear the structure for safe reentry.

Q: Does drywood termite fumigation affect other types of insects as well?
A: It affects most adult insects and certain arachnids, but exposure times vary from organism to organism. We guarantee the eradication of drywood termites. Collaterally, German cockroaches, adult fleas, silverfish and rodents may be affected. A standard dosage termite fumigation may not affect bedbugs and insects such as beetles because they often require a much higher dose of fumigation for some life stages.

Q: Are there alternatives to fumigation or full treatments?
A: Yes. For example, if you live in a townhome, an apartment or a condominium, we can employ localized treatments (also known as spot treatments) depending on your situation. Sometimes these are more feasible or preferable than fumigation or full treatments.

Q: Is it normal to see termites flying around my property?
A: Yes. Termites are seasonal pests when it comes to their flying forms, and you’ll usually see them during warm summer months, sometimes from April to November. Subterranean termites come out after the first rain or first heat of the season. They need a lot of moisture and heat to swarm. If you have an infestation close to home, that’s when you’ll see them swarming in large groups. After we fumigate your home, you shouldn’t see high numbers of termites, but they’re part of the natural world, so they can still exist in healthy lawns and gardens. If you see them again, don’t be too concerned—we’ll come out and perform an assessment to make sure they haven’t reentered the structure.

Q: Should I get a termite treatment before or after a remodel?
A: It usually makes more sense to fumigate a structure after a complete remodel because the treatments will impact all the new materials in the home. It’s also important to communicate about your timeline because termite companies are usually booked far in advance, so you’ll want to learn about availability for treatments and plan accordingly.

Q: Do you use subcontractors?
A: We work with Nor Cal Fumigation on fumigation projects. We have a good working relationship with them—we know their crew members and understand their setup requirements. It’s common to have a subcontractor for fumigation in the Bay Area due to costs and consistency. Most termite companies can’t support a full fumigation crew’s schedule.