Termite Talk

With Mike Ledesma

After 13 years, it still surprises me when I answer a call, or talk to a customer and they ask “Do you guys handle termites?”  Back in 1993, I joined Killroy Pest Control, Inc. and helped set up Killroy’s first termite dept.  Yes, we definitely “handle” termites.

Living in California, and the Bay Area, termites are a given.  The conditions here with our mild climate makes it easier for termites to thrive.

There are a few things that you, our valued customer can do to help deter these invaders:

1. Keep woodpiles, tree stumps, and construction debris, away from the house, adjoining structures and sub areas.

2. Keep dirt, “gorilla hair,” wood chips, and mulch away from the sides of your structures.  We often see where homeowners, and landscape personnel pile up these materials so that they are covering the foundation.  In many cases, they actually touch or bury the siding or stucco.  This is a perfect harborage for many pests, such as ants, to reside, and enter the structure, often without visible detection.  This condition can also provide access for subterranean termites, and limit detection of their tubes.  This also provides moisture an avenue to the siding.  A “wicking “ effect can take place.  As a general rule, avoid all wood to soil contact.

3. Lastly, but certainly not least, have a termite inspection done every three years.  This can  be a cost effective method of discovering any potential or beginning problems before they become bigger ones.  (Don’t forget Killroy ‘s regular customers get a discount on complete termite inspections!)   

Give the office a call at 1-888-KILLROY (545-5769) or 408-378-0441, and ask Lillian for an appointment. 

Tri-Valley Branch Allstars

Barrett Adams, Dennis Hatfield and Tom Votta

Killroy Pest Control, Inc. is proud to formally introduce the personnel that makes up our  Tri-Valley Branch.  The branch is currently staffed by Tom Votta, Dennis Hatfield, and Barrett Adams.  Combined these technicians are providing the Tri-Valley area with the highest level of service, in the Killroy Pest Control, Inc. 50 year tradition.

Each of these gentlemen are residents of the Tri-Valley area, and take an active role in their communities.

Leading Off: Tom Votta , one of Killroy’s most senior tenured technicians, handles general pest control problems for the Tracy, Livermore, Lathrop Merced and Manteca areas.  Tom’s wealth of experience is a key asset to his customers.  Don’t hesitate to ask Tom about any of your pest control problems.

Shooting Two:  Dennis Hatfield takes care of Danville, Pleasanton, Alamo, San Ramon, and Sunol.  Dennis is also an experienced applicator in the Sensitive Solutions treatment procedures as well, and can answer any questions you might have regarding alternative pest control approaches. You can find Dennis after work and weekends coaching the Tri-Valley youth in a number of sports.

The Hat Trick: Barrett Adams is the newest member to the Tri-Valley Branch.  After spending a number of years wearing one hat, performing general pest control out of the main office, and servicing the Almaden area,  Barrett continued his professional education, and training, and donned a second hat, in the Branch 3 termite division.  Last year Barrett brought his expertise to the Tri-Valley branch, making it a full service branch.  Killroy customers now have a “local” termite inspector at their service. (Don’t forget,  regular Killroy customers get a special discount on  complete termite inspections!)  Barrett also serves the Fremont area for general pest solutions.

The Tri-Valley team wants you to know that fall is approaching, and those pests, including rodents want to come to your house if you let them.  Talk to your personal technician regarding proactive measures you can take to make sure you don’t have any uninvited guests.  Also, don’t forget to ask about our weed and tree spraying programs.

When you give the Killroy Tri-Valley office  a call, that cheerful voice you hear on the line is Mindy Adams, Barrett’s wife. Just another example of why  after 50 years Killroy is still a family business.  The Tri-Valley Team is rounding the bases and heading for home… your home. 

Killroy's Top 5 Salesmen
For the Fiscal Year 2005-2006

This is the usual spot for our Technician in the Spotlight .  But we are going to do something a little different this time. We will recognize 5 at once!

Before congratulating our 5 Top Salesmen of the Year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank first, you our loyal customers whom have made it possible for Killroy Pest Control, Inc. to provide service for over 50 years in Northern California.  Thank you!

Secondly, I would like to thank our office staff, field technicians in the structural pest (Branch 2), and termite (Branch 3) departments, management, and certainly not least the ownership of Killroy Pest Control, Inc. whom have provided this company with an attitude of excellence and an atmosphere and environment that brings out the best in all of us.  Thank you!
And Now…..the top 5 Salesmen of the Year          

Secondly, I would like to thank our office staff, field technicians in the structural pest (Branch 2), and termite (Branch 3) departments, management, and certainly not least the ownership of Killroy Pest Control, Inc. whom have provided this company with an attitude of excellence and an atmosphere and environment that brings out the best in all of us.  Thank you!

And Now…..the top 5 Salesmen of the Year

Number 5  Cliff Paige                          Route 4
Number 4  Richard Schmidt               Sensitive Solutions
Number 3  Andrew Gibson                 Route 5
Number 2  Dennis Hatfield                 Route 32
Number 1  Frank La Rosa                   Route 17

Thank you gentlemen for your outstanding efforts, and again to all of our employees, ownership and you, our VALUED CUSTOMERS.

Michael Flowers, Sr.
Service Manager

President’s Message

Bugs are in the news today, with the rise of the BED BUGS and WEST NILE VIRUS capturing headlines.  Spraying for mosquitoes at extremely low rates with Pyrenone (pyrethrum) offers some reduction of the vectors for West Nile, but Bedbugs are going to be an increasing problem.  Even though they vector no disease, people can’t stand living with them!

In the early 1900’s bedbugs were rampant worldwide.  Fumigating apartments and homes with cyanide gas was the only cure.  Of course the deadly nature of cyanide as well as its explosive qualities led to all sorts of problems, including fatalities!  With the coming of the DDT era, a cheap and effective control of Bedbugs had arrived (not to mention mosquitoes and body lice!)  While DDT got a bad rap for many over uses and abuses, it should be remembered that millions of lives were saved, and no human illness was reported from delousing stations applying 10% DDT dust to thousands of GIs and civilians in Europe during WWII.  Additionally, DDT practically eliminated Bedbugs from the developed world in just a few years of use.

DDT was replaced by the now banned Organophosphate insecticides such as Dursban, which also had the traits necessary for good residual control of Bedbugs.  The relatively weaker Pyrethroid insecticides in wide use today do not seem to do the job!  At this point in time Fumigation (tenting the structure) using Vikane Gas (the same gas used for drywood termites) is the only 100% effective quick control for Bedbugs.  Many hotels and apartments worldwide have been fumigated effectively.  Unfortunately the control is only temporary, because the gas is only there when the tent is on the building.  People need to be careful not to bring Bedbugs home in luggage, and inspect personal articles carefully before unpacking from a trip.

The moral of my little story…banning chemicals for sins of the public is not prudent.  Thse public is better served by having tools available for judicious use by professionals.

Dennis Merrill,
President, Killroy Pest Control, Inc.

Regular Killroy Customers !!

Receive $25.00
Discount On
Complete Termite Inspection
(for Home Up To 2,000 sq. ft)
Contact Us and mention the discount.