Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between termites and ants?

Termites have straight antennae, a full body, and four wings pointed straight back. Ants have elbowed antennae, their bodies are pinched in the mid-section, and they have four wings at an angle.

Why all the concern about mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can carry various diseases such as encephalitis and the West Nile Virus. Mosquito carried diseases can affect both humans and animals. The risk of West Nile Virus, which usually affects the very young and the elderly, has been increasing in recent years.

What is the risk of Formosan Termites in Tennessee?

Formosan termites are beginning to show up in East Tennessee. Heritage Termite and Pest Service will cover Formosan Termite damage for our new customers, if the structure qualifies.

What is the difference in termite control and pest control?

Termites may compromise the structural integrity of your home or business by consuming wood and other cellulose aspects of your structure.

Pests cause different concerns such as:

• Allergies and Asthma, which have been directly linked to cockroaches.
• West Nile and encephalitis, which are directly linked to mosquitoes.
• Heart worms in your pets, which can be caused by mosquitoes.
• Several different germs carried by fleas and flies.
• Numerous health problems caused by spider bites.

What do you look for when you inspect my home for termites?

When inspecting a structure for termites, our trained Heritage Termite and Pest Service representatives are looking for any signs of termite activity and any conditions that may lead to a termite infestation. Conditions conducive to termite activity include but are not limited to wood to earth contact, firewood stacked too close to a structure, debris in crawl spaces, excessive moisture issues, and overgrown shrubbery or bushes.

What are the visible signs of a termite infestation?

Some visible signs of termite infestations are sagging floors, deteriorating wood, cracking sheet rock, pin holes in sheet rock, mud tunnels leading from the soil to the structure.

Why do you need to come inside my home for termite inspections?

We cannot properly inspect your home or business unless access to critical areas is available. There are areas vulnerable to termite infestations that can only be adequately inspected from the inside of certain structures. We want to provide services that enhance your living environment and a total inspection of the premises is a very critical business practice.

Why don't you come inside my home on every pest control visit?

80% of pest problems originate from the exterior. The key to our Freedom Residential Pest Prevention Program is the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Combined with an initial inside treatment, IPM creates a barrier around the perimeter of your home or business that helps to prevent pests from ever getting into the structure.

Should you be treating my house if it's raining?

Certain products, such as granules, do not lose their effectiveness if applied when raining. Heritage Termite and Pest Service will use sound judgment when determining whether to treat a house during inclement weather conditions.

How safe are the products you use?

All products used by Heritage Termite and Pest Service are tested and approved by the EPA.

Will the product(s) you use harm my pets?

All products we use are formulated for cold-blooded insects, and when properly applied, should not pose any threat to your pets.

When I have my home treated will the products you use have a bad odor?

Some products do have an odor; the odor is from the emulsifiers and not the chemical itself. The emulsifier is what allows the product to be mixed with water.

How much do you charge for termite clearance letters?

We currently charge $45.00 for the first inspection and letter and $0 for the final or closing letter. If you only need a closing letter, then the charge will be $45.00.

How much does Heritage charge to transfer termite warranties when a closing letter is issued?

If the termite warranty on the home is currently provided by Heritage Termite and Pest Service there is no transfer fee.

Do you offer Repair Warranties as well as Retreatment Warranties?

Yes, Repair Warranties and Retreatment Warranties are both available through Heritage Termite and Pest Service. A thorough inspection by a trained Heritage Termite and Pest Service representative will determine the warranty options available for your structure.

What is the difference in your Retreatment and Repair Warranties?

With a Retreatment Warranty we will treat any active termite infestation.

With a Repair Warranty, we will treat any termite infestation AND make any necessary repairs caused by the termite infestation.

Does an Official Tennessee Wood Infestation Report include any type of warranty?

If Heritage Termite and Pest Service issues a closing letter on your home, then we are responsible for any active infestations (only of the insects listed on your letter) for a total of 90 days from the date of issuance of the Official Tennessee Wood Infestation Report.