You should be because termites are not a big deal.

Subterranean termites and drywood termites are usually a symptom of a moisture or maintenance problem and rarely if ever a threat to the structural integrity of your home.

You have probably heard about fumigation, colony elimination, ongoing monitoring and baiting, and various other so called "protection programs" that involve ridiculous high prices to attack a problem that really does not exist.

A typical spot treatment costs about $200.00 and takes about one hour to complete. This does not require any follow up inspection or treatment. Our Stuart's technicians will show you how to check your own home for termites just as well as anyone in the pest control business while we inspect your home to establish first, whether or not you have termites and second, the best way to solve or prevent a termite problem, and third how much it will cost.

Termites work very slowly and there is no reason to make hasty decisions concerning termite treatments. Everyone panics if termites swarm out of there home in the spring time. But this event does not necessitate quick action. If termites appear on the interior of your home they have probably been there for years. If you do absolutely nothing for a few months after you find them, it wouldn't make much difference on treatment or repair costs.

If you are considering any of the elaborate expensive termite treatments you really should call us at 713-944-2347. We can provide you with real world information instead of sales hype.

Rodents are a major problem that is easier to prevent than cure.

1. Make sure there are no holes in your house 1 1/2" or larger. Check your eaves, and gables to make sure the vents and screens are in good condition. Double check any changes or intersections in your roof lines. A favorite entry point for rats is your a/c lines, make sure the rats can't get in where the pipe insulation meets the home. Squirrels will chew a hole anywhere they can find a weak spot; aggressive rot prevention and repair is a good idea.

2. As much as is practical, remove anything that provides cover for rats.

3. Never leave any pet food outside at night. If you are doing this now you are probably only feeding rats, and other animals. The same goes for bird feeders. Most food left in a bird feeder after 10:00 AM goes to rats and squirrels. Rodents in a residential environment are a real health threat for a number a reasons and if you don't take preventative measures the problem will get worse no matter how many rodents we exterminate. If you need help preventing or finding the origin of a rodent problems, a Stuart's technician can usually do all that is needed (except home repairs) for a minimum service charge of $75.00 plus tax.

   Fleas causing you a problem?

   Flea services usually cost about $150.00 depending on the size of the home and the severity of the problem. If you have pets, they should be on one of the systemic flea killers from your vet. The products are not always enough to completely prevent fleas but without them, fleas can take over a home and are sometimes very difficult to control. There is quite a bit you have to do to prepare for a flea treatment including a thorough cleaning of all floors, boarding your pet, scheduling time away from the home for several hours during and after the treatment, and preparing your lawn for treatment (properly trimmed, toys put away, watered heavy the night before depending on rainfall).