Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area, Inc. uses advanced technology and environmentally-friendly, state-approved chemicals to combat termite infestations in Bay Area homes, businesses and industrial properties. The company provides standard fumigation services, but it also employs microwave technology that allows it to eradicate termites without tenting a property or removing its furnishings. Other services include structural damage repairs, escrow inspections and annual maintenance programs.
Owner John Williams took over operations of Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area in 2002. Mr. Williams has always believed that excellent customer service is a must in any business. He has been a part of the pest control industry since 1994. “I realized that termite control was a basic, necessary service,” he explains. “I just knew I had to be a part of it.”
Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area offers a three-year, full-structure warranty that covers damage caused by all species of termites and wood-boring beetles. The warranty also protects against new infestations that may appear during the original warranty period.
“We take an integrated approach to protecting our clients' homes from termites and other wood pests. Our ability to use both traditional and advanced technology gives us a distinct advantage, which we use to provide the best possible service for our customers.”
Successful termite prevention is all about preparation and observation.
When it comes to infesting homes and other buildings, termites are incredibly proficient, gaining access through damp spots caused by anything from vegetation and plants to poor ventilation. Being aware of warning signs and taking preventive measures can help stop termite problems before they become too large to ignore. Consider the following tips for preemptively dealing with termite infestations:
• Don’t affix wooden trellises to exterior walls.
• Keep mulch, wood debris, scrap lumber, sawdust and firewood away from your home. If you keep firewood outside your house during the winter, raise it off the ground.
• Trim all shrubs, bushes and other dense greenery away from your home’s foundation. Move mulch away from the foundation as well.
• Don’t stack, store or bury wood debris adjacent to your home.
• Remove infested trees and stumps.
• Keep a good coat of paint on all exterior wood.
• Apply clear caulk to cracks and wood separation on exterior trim.
• Repair leaking faucets and water lines, both indoors and outdoors.
• Fix leaky roofs and gutters.
• Don’t allow leaves to accumulate in gutters and drains.
• Grade soil so water (including air conditioning condensate) runs away from foundations.
• Ventilate crawlspaces and attics to reduce humidity.
• Cover at least 90 percent of the soil in crawlspaces with plastic sheeting.
• Ideally, wood siding, stucco and foam board should be at least six inches away from the ground.
• Seal all cracks and holes in your home’s foundation to block access points.
When looking for a pest control company, it’s important to find one that can explain how to correct certain termite-inviting conditions in your home. According to John Williams, owner of Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area, Inc. in Hayward, it’s also important for the firm to be highly responsive to your specific needs. “A company’s responsiveness is often related to how engaged the owner is with day-to-day operations,” he says. “You want to work with a company that has a principal with whom you can deal directly. You shouldn’t have to go through several managers to get an answer.”
Termite control companies are always looking for ways to discern 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, Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area, Inc. has built a reputation for employing a variety of cutting-edge techniques to control termites, including fumigation and microwave systems that destroy infestations without the use of toxic chemicals. "Our microwave process is particularly valuable for multi-unit condominium and townhome complexes," says owner John Williams. "Instead of fumigating an entire complex for just one affected unit, we can use the microwave process to establish complete control of the termites."
Mr. Williams has been in the termite control industry for 16 years, and he believes the best way to run a business is directly from the field. "Unlike other termite company owners, I'm actively engaged in day-to-day operations," he says. "I wear the uniform, and I'm in the field every day, so I have a good sense of what each customer needs. I can also monitor the skills of my inspectors and crew members while simultaneously retaining knowledge of what's going on back at the office."
Because Mr. Williams deals directly with his clients, Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area is able to focus more intently on customer service than many of its competitors. When a client calls, the company immediately sends an inspector to do a thorough analysis of the home or business, which includes looking underneath the building and at the interior, attic, exterior and outbuildings. "Our inspectors turn around inspection reports within 24 hours," says Mr. Williams. "We're a medium-sized company, but we can handle just about any situation or scenario. That really resonates with our customers."
Unlike termite control companies that only handle exterminations, Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area also provides termite damage repairs for patios, decks and other wood surfaces. "We do it all, from start to finish," confirms Mr. Williams. "We control the termites, demolish the damaged area, repair it, clean up and haul away the debris. We can even match paint, which is an uncommon practice in this industry."
To supplement its customer service-oriented business approach, Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area backs up its microwave and fumigation work with a three-year, full-structure warranty. "The entire structure is covered for three years against any old or new infestation," says Mr. Williams. "Also, all service calls during the warranty period are free of charge."
