Welcome

What is ACS?

Experts agree! The BEST way to protect your home is to have it inspected on a regular basis and treated as needed. Our ACS service is designed to provide that service for you! It provides regular inspection of your home and the cost of treatment is included! You tell us any time you see something.

Vital Signs- Annual Control Service helps keep your residence safe from future wood-destroying pests situations.

Plain English Explanation  of our company's Annual Control Service Agreement for termites:

What structures or areas are covered?

The house and garage and other buildings that were inspected and included on the report and diagram are covered. Exceptions; if there are fences or wood decks, they are not covered. Also, dog houses, tool sheds or other out-buildings are not covered unless they are specifically included.

The roofing materials are not inspected for water tightness, infestations or damage.

Any additions or changes to building or their surroundings can affect coverage and are not automatically included. They must be inspected and accepted by the company first. Call us before any construction for additions or remodeling begins. That way we can arrange to inspect any exposed areas before they are sealed back up.

What could be a problem to my building?

Wood structures in the state of California are subject to attack by a wide array of wood destroying pests and organisms including:

• dry wood termites
• subterranean termites
• dampwood termites
• wood boring beetles
• fungus/dry rot
• carpenter ants
• carpenter bees

Which ones above are covered by this agreement?

The agreement only covers control of:

• dry wood termites
• native subterranean termites

Are all the rest of them not covered?

That is correct. The agreement does not cover treatment for any pests such as Formosan termites ( a species of subterranean termites from overseas), damp wood termites, wood boring beetles, fungus/dry rot, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, etc. If these do occur, the company can quote a separate price to control most of these pests.

Tell me more about these exotic pests:

Even though they are not covered, some of them are very important because of the potential for damage to the structure if they do show up. For example:

• "Formosan termites" are a special kind of subterranean termite that, so far, has only been found in one small area of California near Del Mar. They are a major destroyer of buildings in Hawaii and now some parts of Florida and some other Gulf coast/ southern areas. They can be eradicated with difficulty and some hefty expenses.
• "Poria Incrassata" is a fast-moving wood decaying fungus that can stay hidden until serious damage has already occurred. Because it rarely occurs, it is usually not identified until after quite a lot of damage has already happened. There are no totally successful treatments for this pest.
• The company will endeavor to identify these wood destroying organisms when sufficient evidence is discovered but cannot be held responsible for eradication or repairs of any damage caused by them.

What about any pest created damage to the building or its content?

The agreement does not cover any type of damages. The company must specifically and separately contract for any repairs. As a valued customer, we can quote a great price if need be.

What will I see the company do during this agreement?

The company will inspect the covered structures once a year. Any covered infestations discovered will be treated either immediately or shortly after. These inspections will be done at no additional costs other than the annual fee. We prefer to inspect during our company slow times (Winter), but slow times may be at any time of the year.

If you see evidence that may be from a covered pest, call us at any time of the year and we will check it out at no additional costs.

What if my building needs to be tented and fumigated?

If your building does need a tent fumigation, the cost is not included in the agreement. During the covered period fumigation can be performed at a discounted rate. Subterranean termites are not treated with tent fumigation but instead by injecting the soil. Drywood termites and wood boring beetles need to have tent fumigation sometimes. Most dry wood termite infestations occur during annual control services and can be taken care of by wood injections, spray treatments or removing infested wood.

What will the homeowner do to keep this agreement going?

In order to keep the agreement, you must perform the following:

• Allow us to access the property for our inspections/treatments.
• correct conditions that invite wood pests into the building.
• make areas accessible for treatment when needed.
• Call us in a timely manner, if you see anything suspicious.
• Pay annual fee

How long is the agreement?

Agreement runs year to year and begins when your original guarantee ends.

Will there be a price change? if so, how much?

We will honor the original quoted price for your initial year of coverage and then it may go up. If there is a price change, you will be notified at the time of renewal and you may decline the offer to renew the agreement at that time.

Can I pass the coverage on to the new owner if I sell?

Yes, as long as they agree under the specifics of the agreement.

A new agreement will need to be signed to make it legal. Let us know if you plan on selling and we can handle the termite end of escrow

NOTE: The information is designed to answer frequently asked questions in a simple format. Please do not use this document to argue legalistic points. Thank you.