When facing a termite issue, most homeowners wisely get multiple bids. While price is certainly a factor, there are several other critical variables that can help you make the right decision. Here’s what to look for:

1. Warranty
   Not all termite warranties are created equal. It’s important to look beyond just the length of the warranty. Ask:

• Does it include annual inspections, or do you need to report an issue for service?
• Is the coverage limited to the treated areas or does it cover the entire structure?
• Are follow-up treatments included, and for how long?
• How much will it cost to extend your warranty? Is that an option?

Always read the fine print—especially when comparing warranties from different companies.

2. Inspection Thoroughness
   The quality of the initial inspection is a strong indicator of how a company operates. Consider:

• Did the inspector enter every attic and crawl space?
• Did they walk the property with you afterward and show you the trouble areas?
• Did they take and share photos of inaccessible areas like attics or crawl spaces?
• Were they professional—calling ahead, wearing shoe covers indoors, and cleaning up after themselves?
• Did they ask thoughtful questions about your home’s treatment history and recent termite activity?

A rushed or careless inspection can lead to missed infestations—and is often a sign of a company that’s stretched thin. If the inspector is overbooked, it’s likely the technicians are too, which can lead to shortcuts during the actual treatment.

3. Price (and What It Could Be Telling You)
   Yes, price matters—but big differences in pricing may signal problems:

• For fumigations, a large price gap usually means someone mismeasured your home.
• That’s not necessarily a win for you. Some fumigators might delay or cancel the job if they believe the quoted measurement is too low to be profitable.
• Worse, if the fumigator proceeds using the incorrect measurement, the amount of gas used could be insufficient, and the fumigation might fail.

Tip: Ask for the inspector’s measurement (it will be a number followed by an “M”) and compare it to others.

4. The Termite Report
   All licensed companies must provide a termite report within 10 business days. This report includes:

• A diagram of your home—does it actually resemble your home?
• Findings and recommendations—are they consistent with other reports you’ve received?

Red flags:

• One inspector identifies wood rot as termite damage while another does not.
• One report includes findings in the attic or crawl space that others missed.
• Claims not backed by photos in difficult-to-access areas.

Check the inspector’s license number—the higher the number, the less experience they likely have.

5. Treatment Recommendations
   If multiple companies recommend fumigation and one suggests a localized treatment instead, be cautious—especially if that one bid is significantly cheaper.

I’ve seen sales-focused inspectors push treatments they knew wouldn’t work to areas that weren’t even accessible. This leads to frustrated technicians, failed treatments, and eventually, a full fumigation anyway. In the end, you pay more for delays and ineffective service.

6. Vehicle
   What type of vehicle was the inspector driving—was it a truck or a car? If it was a car, keep in mind that it’s against the law to carry termiticides inside the passenger compartment. This usually means the inspector does not perform treatments themselves. However, inspectors who also complete treatments tend to have a deeper understanding of the job. They know what areas are accessible, what methods are effective, and which ones are likely to fall short.
7. Size of the Company
   Bigger doesn’t always mean better.

• Large companies often operate more like sales organizations than service companies.
• Their inspectors are under pressure to sell additional services—sometimes ones you don’t even need.
• Jobs get stacked at the end of the month, causing techs to rush and potentially skip steps.

I worked for a company that sold a $300+ per year subterranean termite plan without any initial treatment. If a customer later discovered an infestation, the company would cover treatment and repairs—but if they cancelled before that happened, they got nothing. Management pushed this product because it generated easy revenue.

Final Thoughts:
Choosing a termite company is about more than just price. A cheaper treatment may cost you more in the long run if it doesn’t work, leading to new infestations, added repairs, and repeat treatments.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time, ask questions, and choose a company that prioritizes quality and transparency—your home depends on it.