Q. What is ThermaPureHeat®?
A. ThermaPureHeat is a patented, truly revolutionary non toxic pest control technology. It is an alternative form of pest control that utilizes clean, dry, odorless HEAT instead of chemical fumigants to kill Drywood termites and other structural pests. ThermaPureHeat earned "Best New Product" award from the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Pioneered as an alternative form of pest control to chemical fumigation, heat is now recognized by the pest control industry as the only non-chemical, non-toxic Drywood termite pest control method that is as effective as chemical fumigation for treating entire structures. And unlike fumigation, which is applied only to entire "tented" structures, ThermaPureHeat® is highly effective for localized or area treatments, such as infestations confined to a single unit in a multi-unit condo or apartment complex, or even a single wall, a room, or attic.
Q. How does the Heat pest control process work?
A. The treatment area is wrapped with thermal tarps and hot air is directed into the structure raising wood-core temperatures to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures are monitored and recorded using digital thermometers. Temperatures are generally held for 60 minutes, ensuring an effective treatment.
Q. How do you get heat into the home or building?
A. Specially engineered and EPA registered propane heaters are placed outside home and hot air is directed through flexible mylar ducting into the treatment area.
Q. What effect does heat have on the home or building?
A. The thermal pest control technology is very safe. Only heat sensitive items need be removed during treatment. Such items include candles, chocolates, and soft meltable items. In some cases, large items like TV’s are wrapped and protected with thermal blankets.
Q. Does the Structural Pest Control Board accept this process?
A. Yes. In fact, Heat is recognized as the ONLY non-toxic Drywood termite pest control treatment approved for full structures. It is more effective than freezing, microwave, or electricity.
Q. Do you have any studies that prove the effectiveness?
A. Yes, several, but perhaps the most comprehensive study is Villa Drywood termite. U.C. Berkeley conducted a 5-year study at the order of the Structural pest Control Board. Results proved that Heat and Fumigation were the only two methods offering 90% or more insect mortality rate in the wood.
Q. What about all of my food?
A. Heat-sensitive food items should be removed or refrigerated during the Heat pest control process. However, there is no need to worry about contaminating your kitchen utensils.
Q. Will heat damage my plants?
A. Plants should be removed from treatment area. Those outside should be trimmed back from walls to allow proper heat flow.
Q. Will heat damage my tile roof?
A. There is rarely any need to walk on the rooftop, effectively eliminating the primary cause of roof/tile damage created during fumigation.
Q. How does the cost compare to fumigation?
A. If you factor in the hidden costs of overnight move-out and potential roof damage caused when fumigating, the ThermaPureHeat® process will be comparable in pricing. With Heat pest control you get the added benefits associated with improved indoor air quality that you simply cannot achieve with fumigation.
Q. My attic reaches very high temperatures in the summer, why do I still have Drywood termites?
A. It’s true that attics get very hot, but the ThermaPureHeat® process goes beyond the temperature of the air and raises the wood-core temperature to 130 degrees and sustains it for an hour.
Q. What about my pets?
A. Pets need to be outside of the treatment area for the day only.
Q. Are there any buildings that can’t be treated with ThermaPureHeat®?
A. No, but some buildings require additional preparation, such as those with fire sprinklers.
Q. Will heat pest control cause damage to my home or business?
A. No. The temperatures used in a Heat treatment are not extreme. They are no hotter than a sauna, and are well below safety standards. Any heat-sensitive items are either removed or protected by special thermal blankets, and things that melt easily (ie. Chocolate, make-up, etc.) can be put in the refrigerator or removed.
Q. What if I have an isolated infestation?
A. Heat can be used as either a whole structure treatment or an isolated area treatment. In a report given by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Heat was the only treatment recognized as effective for both whole-structure and local treatments.
Q. How much does a Heat pest control treatment cost?
A. The typical price is comparable to fumigation. However, it usually ends up costing less because customers don't have to move out of their homes and businesses avoid extensive shut down periods.
Q. Do I have to sign a roof release like with fumigation?
A. No. Our technicians do not have to walk on your roof, so there's no need to worry about roof damage. They may hang tarp from the eaves of your house, but not over the top of your house.
Q. Is it as effective as chemical fumigation?
A. In a study done by the University of California-Berkley, researchers found Heat to be more effective than chemical fumigation when done properly. Our technicians are fully trained and experienced in the ThermaPureHeat® process.
Q. Does it have any residual effects?
A. Neither chemical fumigation nor Heat has a residual effect. They kill what is in the home or building, but won't kill anything entering after the treatment.
Q. Why should I use ThermaPureHeat® instead of fumigation?
A. Our customers prefer ThermaPureHeat® for a number of reasons. It is an alternative form of pest control that involves no chemicals, no move out required, no odor, no roof damage, no bagging of food and medicine and no harm to pets. In addition, we experience lower call back rates with ThermaPureHeat® than most companies experience with fumigation.
