So, you’ve spotted termite swarmers near your window. Or maybe your neighbor just had their house tented and now you’re paranoid. Either way, you’re ready to call termite exterminators in Baton Rouge—but hold on a second.

Not all termite companies are created equal, and in Louisiana’s humid climate where Formosan termites are basically a fact of life, choosing the wrong company can cost you thousands of dollars and years of headaches. Before you sign anything or let anyone start digging trenches around your foundation, here are five questions you absolutely need to ask.

1. What Treatment Method Do You Use—and Why?

This is your most important question. In Baton Rouge, you’ll hear about two main approaches: liquid barrier treatments and baiting systems.

Liquid treatments create a zone in the soil around your home that is lethal to termites (we use Termidor and other fipronil products). Termites contact it, die, and transfer the treatment to others, in many cases eliminating the colony. These can last up to 11 years (varies among companies) and offer immediate protection as soon as they are performed.

Baiting systems use plastic stations filled with pesticide cartridges placed around your property (we use the Trelona Baiting System). Termites find the bait, take it back, and eliminate the queen. The process is slower however and does require some low-maintenance monitoring. It also relies on termites finding the station as they forage in the soil. We prefer to use liquid treatment whenever possible due to its directness and reliability. We currently view bait as an option for supplementing liquid treatments.

Be sure to ask the company which method they prefer and why. You want the best fit for your home, and this is exactly why Arceneaux Pest Management Service always performs an inspection and then creates a custom care plan.

2. What Does Your Termite Bond Actually Cover?

Your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover termite damage in Louisiana because it’s considered preventable. That’s where a termite bond (warranty or guarantee) comes in, but not all of them are equal. Be sure to get yours in writing.

Ask specifically:

• Does this cover just retreatment or damage repair too?
  • Damage repair coverage is becoming harder to get. The type of construction (slab, pier and beam, floating slab, etc.) matter tremendously.
• What’s the dollar limit on repairs?
  • Does the company have a reputation for paying their damage claims?
• Is it transferable if I sell my house?
• What are renewal requirements?
• Are there any exclusions? Most thorough inspections reveal vulnerabilities and areas of concern. If nothing is mentioned (showers, tile, cracks, spaces behind built-in cabinets, joints between separate foundations, etc.) it may be that the salesperson simply doesn’t know enough or care enough to be thorough.

A company that won’t clearly explain their contract is a red flag. Arceneaux will be clear and upfront concerning what is covered: Some homes qualify for a damage repair warranty, while others will be standard “retreatment” contracts. The type of construction, condition of the home, and many other factors go into whether a home qualifies for damage coverage. An in-person consultation is the best way to learn how to protect the home and what to expect.

3. How Long Have You Been Doing Termite Work in Baton Rouge?

We’ve been stopping termites for 21 years (twice that long in the industry). Experience matters, especially when you’re dealing with Formosan termites—the most destructive termite species in America. These aren’t the garden-variety subterranean termites you might find elsewhere. Formosan colonies can contain millions of termites and cause severe damage in just months.

You want termite exterminators in Baton Rouge who know the local species, understand how Louisiana’s humidity affects treatment, and have a track record in this area. Questions to ask:

• How many years have you been treating Formosan termites specifically?
• Are your technicians licensed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture?
• Can you provide local references I can contact?

A company that’s been protecting homes in Baton Rouge for many years has seen every scenario and knows what works in our climate. A newer company or one from out of state? They’re learning on your dime. Here at Arceneaux, all treatments are performed by licensed technicians and supervised by a Board-Certified Entomologist.

4. What’s Included in Your Inspection and Quote?

A termite inspection could include crawl space, attic, and foundation examination, moisture readings, identification of activity, assessment of conducive conditions, and a detailed written report with photos. Some homes require 100 times the investigative work as others. Arceneaux’s is upfront about what can and cannot be seen and known, and what the options are for protection. We’re low pressure, high information. We want each homeowner to know the truth about their options.

When getting a quote, make sure you get a detailed written breakdown of what they’ll do, where they’ll treat, what products they’ll use, and warranty coverage. Verbal quotes don’t hold up when problems arise later. Arceneaux’s prefers to do liquid treatments wherever possible as they have proven to be very reliable. Many companies are now using baits as their only pesticide, yielding lower initial prices but higher annual fees (and in our opinion less reliable protection). Make sure you compare apple to apples – ask for Fipronil products. Ask how frequently “booster” treatments are needed, some companies require them at 5 or 7 years instead of 11 like Arceneaux’s.

5. What Happens If I See Termites After Treatment?

This question reveals a lot about a company’s confidence in their work and their customer service. The answer should be immediate and clear: “Except in waived areas, we come back and retreat at no additional cost.” This is the standard contract which is nearly universal.

But dig deeper:

• Is there a waiting period before I can call for retreatment?
• Do I need to pay for the inspection when I call about new activity?
• What’s your response time when a customer reports termite activity?
• How long is the retreatment guarantee valid?

Some companies make it difficult to use their warranty, hoping you’ll give up or go elsewhere. Others stand behind their work and make the process easy. Pay attention to how they answer this question—if they hedge or seem annoyed that you’re asking, that’s telling you something about how they’ll treat you as a customer.

Don’t Rush This Decision

Hiring termite exterminators in Baton Rouge is a big decision because you’re protecting your largest investment from pests that cause billions in damage annually. Take your time, ask these questions, and don’t be pressured into signing on the spot.

The right company welcomes your questions and answers them thoroughly. They educate rather than use scare tactics, and they provide everything in writing. Your home deserves the best protection against Louisiana’s relentless termite population.

For a FREE termite inspection from a qualified technician, contact Arceneaux Pest Management Service today at 225-791-9911.