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How do I pick a termite company?

Pick the job: report, tenting, local treatment, or a 2nd opinion. See the right license, the price, what to ask. Then score up to 3 bids.

What they do
When you need one
Bay Area price
How to verify

Prices are estimates (California 2025 cost data and 2026 Bay Area price lists). Your report decides the real number.

Compare up to 3 bids

Same report items, different companies. Enter each bid. The score updates as you type.

A
$
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days
months
B
$
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days
months
C
$
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days
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Best pick score
0 /100
Score out of 100: price 30, license checked 25, insurance 15, reviews 15, warranty 10 (24 months = full), how soon 5. Not checked = max 40.
No bid has a checked license yet. Look up the company and the branch (1 for tenting, 3 for reports and repairs) before you sign.

10 questions to ask

Tap a question to see why it matters. Tick it once you have the answer.

Progress

Red flags: walk away

Coming soon

Ken's trusted list

Ken is putting together termite companies his clients have used and liked. Until then, text him and he will send names that fit your job and city.

Text Ken for a referral

Next steps

  1. Look up reports filed on this house in the past 2 years at SPCB WDO search. Ask for a copy.
  2. Check the license and the branch at search.dca.ca.gov (pick Structural Pest Control Board). Tenting needs Branch 1. Reports and wood repair: Branch 3.
  3. Big Section 1 number? Get a 2nd report and compare item by item. Then split who pays with T80.
  4. After the work, get the Notice of Work Completed (due in 10 business days, B&P §8518) before you close.

Common mistake: Thinking any pest company can write a termite report. A Branch 2 license (ants, roaches, mice) does not cover termites or dry rot. Reports and wood repair are Branch 3. Tenting is Branch 1.

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Or text: 408-666-2825