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Many states including New York, require you to hire a Certified Termite Inspector to ensure the safety and structural soundness of a property. This is true if you are purchasing or refinancing a Home and applying for a VA (Veterans), HUD (U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development), or FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loan. While following this rule you should go one step further and hire a company who inspects for Termites and specializes in Termite Mitigation. They are Certified Termite Inspectors who have the capacity to inspect and treat for any underlying termite issues. This has added benefits and is solid advice even if you are using a conventional loan or just buying cash. Termites are the only known insect species that damage wood and consume it for food, causing extensive structural damage when undetected and left untreated. The annual average cost of Termite Damage in the United States is 5 Billion Dollars in property damages. Here's the explanation that will save you Thousands of Dollars and keep you Stress Free.  Some Termite species have been around for over 250 million years, so this is not a problem you can run from or want to prolong. With almost 30 years of experience, we'll happily share what we've encountered while dealing with Subterranean Termites in the New York City Region. When hiring a Certified Termite Inspector, he/she would look for signs of an infestation of Termites and other Wood Destroying Insects (WDI).  There are several species of insects that damage wood. The most common species is Termites but the list includes Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, and Wood Boring Beetles. The main signs the Termite expert will focus on includes evidence of Wood Damage, Mud Shelter Tubes, live Termite Swarmers or loose translucency wings or Termite body parts. One other thing the Certified Termite Inspector will look for is the placement of wood piles close to the exterior of the home, this can be deemed as conducive conditions that attract Termites. The Certified Termite Inspector is trained to spot these types of damages to a structure because Termites usually damage wood from the inside out making the wood still look intact and catching these signs are very hard to an untrained person. The Termite expert also inspects for Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) which includes Fungi and Algae. This is important because WDI/WDO activities can be visible or have hidden attributes. This data is noted in a concise manner on a specialized Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report known as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA-33) Inspection Form.  On the other side of inspection, hiring a general Home Inspector is important on its own. The Home Inspector looks at the overall state of the property, its plumbing, electrical, the condition of the roof, heating and cooling devices, safety issues, and everything within the top and bottom levels. The Home Inspector may have some knowledge of Termite signs but the Certified Termite Inspector has advanced and specialized training to identify subtle Termite activity which can be difficult to detect, by an untrained eye. Again, the Certified Termite Inspector’s sole purpose is to inspect the structure of the property, especially the wooden parts in the basement, crawl spaces, garage, flooring and walls and focusing on wood-to-soil contact points, to ascertain the absence or presence of Termites.  In the New York region, we have Subterranean Termites which live in the soil. A typical Subterranean Termite colony can contain between 60,000 to 1 million Termites. New studies show in the Northeast Region you can have up to three separate Termite colonies affecting one home. Think of the destruction power if left unchecked over a few years. Can you imagine that? Don’t be a part of that damage statistic mentioned above, remember it’s 5 Billion Dollars.  While the Home Inspector has to concentrate on a myriad of tasks in one property, many times, that inspector does not have detailed experience with WDI/WDO identification and mitigation procedures. If a potential Termite problem is found, the Home Inspector will then suggest that you get the professional advice from a Certified Termite Inspector, thus bringing you back to where we started, hiring a Certified Termite Company. Important to note, not all Termite Inspectors have the capability of administering treatments, if a treatment is necessary. Therefore, when seeking a Termite Inspection, make sure your Certified Termite Company has the capability of treating Termites. Oftentimes, we've been called in to help treat homes for Termite damage, in a renovation stage, right after purchasing that home. The Home Inspectors didn't notice the signs of Termites and the Homeowner was left to spend thousands of dollars on repairs, as well as, the cost of the Termite mitigation.  This can become overwhelming but we hope this five minutes read will cast away any stresses when it comes to Termite control.
In conclusion, no one plans for Termite damage but knowing the signs, helps. Information is crucial! Home renovations are costly, do your due diligence - Do not purchase your home without a Certified Termite Inspector from a company that provides WDI/WDO Mitigation Treatments and a Professional Home Inspector, on your side. Together they will make sure the property is of sound structure and your purchasing power is within the knowledge gained from these important inspections. Written by: Neil A. Bacchus | Operating Manager | Citi Termite Control Inc.
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 In today's Pest Control industry the quality of service you receive depends on who you hire. As always, it's not just about the price, because quality exterminating services trump low-cost service, every time. You will want to take several factors into consideration when selecting the most suited pest management company for your job. Here are five reasons why you should hire an Owner Operator/Mom and Pops Pest Control operation, rather than a Big-Box company. 1) Technical Edge: Most Small company owner-operators in the pest industry are licensed Commercial Applicators with decades of wide-ranging experience, licensed in multiple categories of pest management, and are not just greenhorn technicians. They have a variety of tools in their work vans to tackle most pest problems their customers may have on short notice. These Pest Professionals are up to speed with the latest advancements in the pest industry and are constantly being trained to handle a spectrum of pest issues, whether it's Bed Bugs, Rodents, Flies, or Termites. On the other hand, big-box companies use fewer tools or products across their fleet, and not all of their technicians arriving at your door are multi-versed.  2) Communication & Commitment: Often in smaller pest control businesses the operators are also the owners, which means you get a one-on-one treatment from the start. You won't need to explain your problems to multiple individuals before a service technician gets to your door. Instead, your issues and concerns will be scheduled and resolved quicker and more efficiently. Small business owners communicate better with their clients and take great pride in their work and they care about their customer's satisfaction.  3) Integrity & Community Pride: When you hire local Pest Control professionals from your community, the money you spend on them goes back into your community. It's a Win-Win for everyone. Also, many smaller companies offer Contract-Free service which gives flexibility to customers to pay for pest control services only when needed. Remember, these are folks who live in your community, with similar vested interests, and as the saying goes "A Rising Tide Lifts all Boats." 4) Personalized Service: With smaller pest control companies, the technicians are often the same individual to service your home, every time. You'll maintain a sense of trust, since they know your home, the pest issues you have and take care of potential pest issues before it becomes an infestation. As a bonus, they are always friendly with your pets and kids.  5) Value: Big Box companies run on set time. A technician is required to spend an allotted amount of time with a customer, during which they'll try to sign you on to an annual contract. If you do, you become just another number. Small Pest Management Companies take time to understand your Pests issues and get the job done properly. Local Pest professionals always solve your pest problems with the least possible visits and in the most cost-effective way.  These points are similar to all other small business owner/operators and service providers in your community. Consider them before you hire any company to provide service for you and your family.
Written by: Neil A. Bacchus | Operating Manager | Citi Termite Control Inc.  To maintain your home and keep it free of unwanted guests you will have to implement an Integrated Pest Management approach. This includes being vigilant, making mechanical modifications, following better sanitation and cultural practices, and most of all using some common sense. Here are five quick tips. 1. Trim Branches and Tree Limbs Close to your Home: Squirrels, Raccoons, and Insects gain easy access to your home when branches hang near. Make sure that your window screens are not damaged also.  2. Secure Garbage Containers: Make sure outdoor garbage containers and recycling bins are always clean, have tight lids, and are placed away from your home. Rodents and insects are always looking for their next source of food, water, and shelter to survive. Denying these will keep them away. Your indoor containers should also have a cover. Sanitation plays a huge part in pest control.  3. Remove Wood Piles or Debris: Rodents, other small animals, and insects seek shelter during the colder months which might happen to be close to or in your home. Termites are no different and are attracted to this environment too. In the United States, Termites cause annual estimated damage of $5,000,000,000. Don't be a part of this stat. Store wood, off the ground and further away from your home.  4. Mend Holes or Openings: Repair, seal and caulk any openings especially around windows, doors, access panels, or crawl spaces to prevent the entry of small critters and insects. In the process, your home also becomes more energy efficient.  5. Keep Water Away: Water should be directed away from your home at all costs. Make sure standing water is not an issue, mosquitoes can lay their eggs in them. You should also steer all gutter spouts away from your property, if not it can pool and seep down to the foundation over time, this can cause a whole host of pests and mold issues. If any of this sounds too difficult, schedule an Annual Inspection with a reputable Pest control company in your area so they can point out any potential pest problems before it gets too late, and remember "Don't Let Your Pest Be Your Guests." If you like this then check out 5 Simple Tips for Indoor Pests Prevention. Written by: Neil A. Bacchus | Operating Manager | Citi Termite Control Inc. Keeping your home safe from Pests is always a challenge. The last thing you want to hear in the middle of the night is your wife yelling "Babeeeeeeeee!!!" or your kids "Daaaaaaaad!!!", you know that tone and it only means one thing, there is a bug in the house! Here are a few tips to keep insects and pests from being a major headache and prevent sleepless nights for you and your family. Even better, it saves you money, so here goes: 1. Rinse before Recycle: Remember to rinse your juice and soda containers before recycling. This way, they won't attract flies, ants, or roaches.  2. Keep your Kitchen Clean: Clear food from all surfaces, clean dishes every night, and sweep floors of crumbs. To pests, your kitchen could be perceived as an endless buffet.  3. Window and Door Screens: Check window and door screens for holes or damages. Repair, if necessary.  4. Kitchen Storage: Store grains and cereals in tight lid containers and keep Food products off the floors and away from the walls. This includes pet foods. Keep your storage area neat and free of spills and crumbs. When you purchase items make sure they are not expired or have torn packages. Apply the FIFO (First In First Out) Rule, using the oldest products in your pantry, first. Recycle your empty clear containers, by storing beans and grains in them so they can be easily identified and inspected. This will definitely keep pantry pests at bay.  5. Repair all Leaky Pipes and Faucets: Bugs like three things, Food, Shelter, and Water. Prevent these and witness fewer pests in your homes.
Finally, it is advisable to schedule an annual inspection with a reputable pest management company to stay ahead of any potential pest problems especially Termites, and remember "Don't Let Your Pest Be Your Guests." If you like this then check out 5 Simple Tips for Outdoor Pests Prevention. Written by: Neil A. Bacchus | Operating Manager | Citi Termite Control Inc.  Whether you’re an aspiring first-time home-buyer and about to make your first offer or you have just purchased your second or third home, you’re probably excited to enjoy your new space. But wait, is that a little critter by the backdoor? Maybe it’s just an ant… nothing to worry about, right? Just to be sure there aren’t any other pests lurking about your new house, you might want to consider getting a pest and termite inspection. Here are five reasons you should schedule a termite and pest inspection before any unwanted visitors wreak havoc on your dream home. Why should you get a pest and termite inspection? As a new homeowner, it’s always a good idea to cover all your bases and have a pest and termite inspection performed. Homes in more humid climates – think homes in Miami, FL or houses in Houston, TX – are more susceptible to termite infestations due to the increased moisture in the surrounding environment. If you’ve seen any signs of a termite infestation, it might be a good idea to have a termite inspection. These signs can include buckling floorboards, creaky floors, or damaged wood. For those still in the home-buying process, if you see signs of termite damage in the house, you should consider adding a termite contingency when making an offer on a home. A termite contingency may give you the option to back out of the sale if there’s been significant damage found. Otherwise, you can try to negotiate with the seller to pay for the repairs. What if you’re planning on just getting a regular home inspection? Your home inspector likely won’t look for specific types of pest or termite damage. However, if your home inspector does find damage, contacting a pest or termite inspector should be your next step. A pest or termite control specialist can help you determine what the best course of action is, likely scheduling an inspection to determine the extent of the damage. Is a pest and termite inspection required before closing on a home? If you’ve already purchased your home, then you didn’t miss out on any required inspections. For most home-buyers, termite and pest inspections are not required before closing on a home. However, certain types of loans such as FHA and VA loans may require you to pay for a pest inspection before your mortgage approval, so it’s best to check with your mortgage lender or real estate agent. Your real estate agent will also know if your particular state or county requires a pest inspection before purchasing a home.  5 Benefits of having a termite or Pest Inspection
There are several benefits of having your home inspected for termites or pests. 1) Negotiating power. If the home you’re looking to buy ends up having damage from termites or pests, you’ll likely have better negotiating power. Your real estate agent can help you decide what negotiations to make. These negotiations may include asking the seller to reduce the price so you can pay for pest control services or asking the seller to pay for any repairs or fumigation services before you close on the home. 2) Peace of mind. These inspections will be able to tell you if there’s any structural damage from pests or termites. Your inspector will disclose any issues they find. Then you’ll have an idea of what kind of maintenance you might need as the home’s future owner. 3) Save money. Moving into a new home can feel like the dream, but it’s always a good idea to know what you’re getting yourself into. Without a pest or termite inspection, you may be foregoing a critical type of home inspection that may end up costing you more money down the road if a problem is left untreated. 4) Prepare for future expenses. If your pest or termite inspector finds certain types of pests in the home you’ll have a better idea of what to look out for as a homeowner. That way, you will know if your new home or the area you’ve moved to is susceptible to specific pests. It will also help you to plan ahead for any costs associated with keeping these pests away. 5) Find a local pest control company. Say your home is more susceptible to termites because you’re buying a house in a more humid area, or that spiders or mice are more common in your county. The good news is you’ve found a local pest control company to help you schedule regular maintenance. You’ll know just who to call for help if any critters start appearing in your house. What to expect during a pest inspection. The inspection will take roughly 30 minutes but can vary based on the size of the home and whether there’s a basement, crawl space, or any extra areas. The inspector will examine the interior and exterior of the home for any signs of damage, infestation, or specific areas that might be more susceptible to pests. They’ll check for any signs of moisture. Damaged wood or buckled paint indicate the presence of wood-destroying insects like termites. They are more likely to be found in these areas vulnerable areas. The inspector will check for a variety of different bugs such as carpenter ants, fleas, mosquitoes, and moths, among others. Where you are located may also play a role in the types of pests your inspector will look for. Some pests are more likely to be found in certain areas or are local to your region. If these types of local pests are found during the inspection, your pest inspector may recommend regular pest control to keep these critters at bay. Originally published by Alison Bentley | REDFIN  $5,000,000,000 Damage is an estimated cost caused by Termites annually in the US.
Don't be a Victim, Here are some Ways to Prevent Termites from entering your Home: * Repair leaky pipes. * Keep window screens closed. * Professional Annual Termite Inspection. * Remove wood debris, tree stumps, old cardboards and mulch from around your home.  Rats and Mice spread over 35 diseases worldwide.
They can cause Plague, Tularemia, Hantavirus, Lassa Fever, Leptospirosis, Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever, South American Arenaviruses, Rat-Bite Fever, Salmonellosis, Hemorrhagic Fever, and Lymphocytic Chorio-Meningitis. Ways to Prevent: - Seal Up: Entry holes around your home. - Trap Up: Use small traps to catch rodents. - Clean-Up: Around and inside of your home. #rodents #rodentcontrol #pestcontrol #cititermitecontrol  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
DEC has created a list of Disinfectants products registered in New York State that correspond to the list of products identified by EPA. This list is subject to change, so refer back. https://www.dec.ny.gov/d…/materials_minerals_pdf/covid19.pdf Arm yourself with knowledge. For more information related to COVID-19, please visit the following webpages: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/  Our business revolves around Public Health! Every day our team works diligently making this a reality. With the current atmosphere, the Corona virus have us overly cautious, as we all should! We urge everyone to Wash your Hands with soap and water more often during the day and disinfect the high traffic areas around your home.
 Before a building (House or Garage) is demolished, NYC DOB requires a Certificate stating that the property was adequately treated for Rodents. Citi Termite Control performs this service and coordinates with the City so that a Pre-Demolition Rat Extermination Certificate can be obtained and construction can be started with ease. Contact us if you require this service. 718 845 5294
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Pest Control in Jamaica, Queens. ©2025 Citi Termite Control Inc - 153-18 122nd Ave, NY 11434 718 845 5294
NYSDEC Reg. #16831 MBE# MWCERT2019-2489
NYSDEC Reg. #16831 MBE# MWCERT2019-2489