IT'S PRIME TERMITE MIGRATION SEASON, GIVE US A CALL
DEPENDABLE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE INSPECTORS
QUALITY SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
MCKERNAN INSPECTIONS SERVES ALL OF LA COUNTY AND PARTS OF VENTURA COUNTY.
"TERMITE SCHMERMITE"
WE HAVE OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL INSPECTIONS, QUALITY REPAIRS, AND GUARANTEED TERMITE TREATMENTS.
CERTIFIED
Our inspectors and fumigators are state licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board.
LOW FEES
Affordable Single Family Residence, Multiple Units, Spot checks and Check Owner's Work.
WE DO IT ALL
We don't sub-contract our repairs or fumigations. Everything is handled in house by our own employees.
FUMIGATION
We are also proud members of the Pest Control Operators of California trade association.
TESTIMONIALS
We were introduced to McKernan through recommendations by our realtor's to do the pest inspection on our new home. They in turn did all the repairs associated with wood rot and termite damage on our deck. Those repairs led to a major add on to the deck and numerous other "projects". We kept adding things because we were so pleased with the work they were doing. The McKernan crew - from the office staff to the field - were professional, friendly, and had a great work ethic. In our opinion they went above and beyond what was expected. How often do you hear that anymore?! We will call McKernan for all future projects.
Deborah D.
I was mortified at the amount and severity of termite damage. However, I was so grateful for the amazing care and thoroughness the inspector (George) showed. They were with me every step of the reparation and were terrific to work with. In a difficult situation these are the people you want. I believe the owner is Frank McKernan. He has a significant staff but will always personally return a call. Terrific!
Evelyn L.
All of the staff, from those in the office to those on site, were INCREDIBLE. I would work with them again any time. Highly recommend them!!!!
Kym E.
I had termite issues in a few places. I was given the option of fumigation or spraying just the targeted areas. I was then given a bid which included cosmetic work. Since money was an issue for me, George revised the bid to omit the cosmetic work and I had the work done. While there is no way to judge whether it worked or not so soon after the process, I felt I was in honest hands and would definitely recommend them.
Sue B.
Great service and Cassie is very nice.
Will be using them next.
Gary D.
We (my team and I) have used McKernan countless times for both clients and in our own homes. I cannot recommend them strongly enough. They are professional, responsive and extremely helpful. Recently, Frank McKernan was exceptionally helpful in convincing the Buyer to have the fumigation done after close of escrow, as the Seller was expecting her 3rd child. He assisted in smoothing a sensitive situation. Frank is always accessible and a terrific partner with whom to work, as are all at McKernan. My only commentary would be you did not allow enough STARS to adequately reflect your work!!
Sue C.
Honest, On Time, Perfect Job.
Nice People Too!
Laura S.
It is always hard to have works in your home, your team was top notch, thank you, from the day they started the follow up was great thank you.
Tom O.
I have been a Realtor for 40 years and McKernan is the best termite company in town as far as I am concerned! They have competitive prices and do great work. My clients are always satisfied!
Carol W.
TYPES OF TERMITES
DRYWOOD
TERMITES
SUBTERRANEAN
TERMITES
CARPENTER
ANTS
CARPENTER
BEES
POWDER POST
BEETLES
Drywood Termites are larger than subterranean termites, up to one-half inch long. Drywood termites create colonies in wood and require very little moisture to survive. Unlike Subterranean Termites, they don’t require any direct connection to soil.
They eat all types of wood and occasionally other cellulose material like cardboard or books. Drywood Termite infestations can exist for long periods of time before being discovered, often eating wood away but leaving the paint in place. The most common evidence of Drywood Termites is small piles of sawdust colored pellets that fall from kick-out holes made by the termites. Just one or two pellets is difficult to see, but over time an active colony will create thousands of these pellets making their presence more obvious.
Subterranean Termites are smaller than Drywood termites, approximately one-fourth inch long. They create colonies in the soil and require moisture to survive. Unlike Drywood Termites, they do require a direct connection to soil. They build tubes up the side of concrete foundations or straight out of the ground, making highway tunnels for traveling to their food source and back.
Subterranean Termites eat all types of wood and occasionally other cellulose material like cardboard or books. The most common evidence of Subterranean Termites is the presence of mud tunnels along the foundation of the house inside or out.
Carpenter Ants don’t eat wood, but they sure like to make it their home. They bore into wood framing and even wood cabinets to make their nests. They do cause structural damage but are usually noticed by home owners during swarming season when huge black flying ants are all over the place. They are about 3/4 of an inch in length.
Carpenter Bees are large black bees that bore holes into wood to make their nest to lay eggs. They are usually found in fences and trees. The holes are about 1/2 of an inch in diameter and about 2 inches deep.
Powder Post Beetles are found in a variety of wood products. They infest everything from wicker baskets to hardwood floors and pianos. They are usually detected by seeing very fine saw dust or little holes in wood surfaces.
Please email me at frankmckernan@gmail.com with any questions you may have about our industry and where I can be of help. I promise a prompt reply.
There are some things to remember regarding termite inspections, termite inspectors and the “Standard of Care”, which guides our industry.
1. Termite inspections are basically visual in nature. We do not destructively probe (unless given written permission by the owner). However, limited probing becomes necessary when it appears damages are evident. Limited probing helps us determine the extent of damages, (i.e. is it patchable or does it need to be replaced).
2. The findings listed on your termite inspection report should be the same or at least similar to other termite inspections you may have on your property, (i.e. I see evidence of this or I see evidence of that), however the recommendations can vary greatly on how to correct the condition. You have the right to shop around.
3. The motivation behind recommendation from a termite company may be a commission. Many termite companies pay their inspectors based on what they charge. Just because a termite inspector makes a recommendation on his report doesn’t necessarily mean the work has to be done the way he recommends it. We are obligated to make honest inspections but some recommendations can be over the top.
4. There is no law that requires a homeowner to provide a termite inspection and certification prior to selling their homes, however many lenders require the certification. Therefore, termite certifications are usually required as part of the real estate contingency.
Again, please email me at frankmckernan@gmail.com with any questions you may have about our industry and where I can be of help.
Best Wishes,
Frank D. Mckernan
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REQUEST AN INSPECTION
CALL: 1 (818) 785-3587 / 845-2633
FAX: 1 (818) 785-5838
6111 KESTER AVE., VAN NUYS, CA 91411
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30A – 5:00P
Q: What is fumigation? Tenting? Bagging?
A: Fumigation is a method of using lethal gas to exterminate pests within an enclosed space. There are two methods of performing fumigation. One is to seal the structure with plastic tape or other sealing materials, and the other is by enclosing the structure in a “tent” of vinyl-coated nylon tarpaulins.
Q: What preparations must be taken before a house is fumigated?
A: All persons, pets and plants must be removed from the structure prior to fumigation. (This includes fish and seeds or bulbs intended for planting). Medicines, feed and food not sealed in metal, glass or highly resistant containers must be removed from the structure or sealed in protective bags a recommended by the fumigant manufacturer. Ask your fumigator any questions you have regarding the fumigation.
Q: How long does a fumigation take?
A: Structural fumigants are odorless. Therefore, fumigators are required to release a warning agent such as chloropicrin (tear gas) within the structure at the time the fumigation begins and throughout the entire fumigation process. Fumigation time is depending on several factors; square footage and type of chemicals. Most fumigations require owners to vacate for 2 ‘IA days.
Q: Will fumigation eliminate all the termites and pests in the structure?
A: No. Subterranean termites require separate treatments to create a barrier between the structure and their nest in the ground. Under optimum conditions, the target pest will be dead or obviously dying by the end of the fumigation. Drywood termites can remain alive as long as a week after receiving a lethal dose of a fumigant. Lethal dose vary for different pests, depending on tie type of fumigant used. It is entirely possible for household pest, (such as spiders, cockroaches, etc.) to survive fumigation with the dosage used for drywood termites.
Drywood termites and some wood destroying beetles generate small pellets or dust tint remains in the tunnels after the insects are killed. You may continue to notice these signs after fumigation. This DOES NOT necessarily mean the fumigation failed. Contact you fumigator if you have any further questions should this occur.
Q: How are occupants of a structure notified that fumigation will be done?
A: Before a structural pest control company applies a fumigant, it must have in its possession an occupant fumigation notice that has been signed by the occupant(s) or designated agent of a stncture. The occupant’s fumigation notice must state the pest to be controlled, the proposed pesticide(s), including their active ingredients, and the caution statement. This form must state that a lethal gas will be used in the building on indicated dates and that it is unsafe to return to the building until a notice of reentry is posted by the licensee in charge of the fumigation. The owner should receive a copy of the occupant’s fumigation notice.
Q: Who can enter a structure while it is being fumigated?
A: Chemicals used are lethal! Absolutely NO ONE can enter a structure until it has been certified safe for reentry by the licensee in charge of fumigation. Warning signs are posted in plainly visible locations on or in the immediate vicinity of all entrances. To ensure that even the owner or tenant cannot reenter a structure, the company is required to put a secondary lock on all outside doors that only the company can open.
Q: Are fumigations safe?
A: Fumigations are highly regulated by the State of California. To perform fumigations, companies must be registered with the Structural Pest Control Board. Pest companies may also be required to notify agricultural departments before fumigation takes place. The State Department of Pesticide Regulation registers all fumigants used in California and contracts with each County Agricultural Commissioner to monitor their use. If you have any questions regarding safety of fumigants, chemicals or pesticides, you may call your local County Agricultural Commissioner.
Q: Are there alternative methods available in lieu of fumigation?
A: There are alternative methods please see the home page of our website for further information under, “Fumigations: Myths & Facts”. Remember, alternative treatment methods have limitations.
Q: How does the fumigant leave the house?
A: Aeration: During the aeration, the fumigator aerates the structure with operable doors and window open and with the aid of a fan for a full hour before securing the structure and allowing a total of six to eight hours of additional aeration.
Affiliate of McKernan Inspections
McKernan Construction, Inc. is a full service contractor able to meet the needs of our clients. We specialize in small and large structural repairs, termite and fungus damages, balcony damages, property restoration, decks and remediation. McKernan Construction is a licensed and insured corporation, serving the Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
McKernan Construction, Inc. has 20+ years of experience with a staff of professional contractors to serve you and all your projects with quality workmanship and professional conduct.
Customer satisfaction is our top priority!
STRUCTURAL REPAIR
FRAMING CARPENTRY
TILING & STONE
DECKS
CUSTOM CABINETS
PERMIT SERVICES
FUNGUS DAMAGES
FLOORING
COUNTERTOPS & STONE SLABS
ROOFING REPAIRS
PATIO & DECKING
ENGINEERING
© McKernan Inspections & Construction, Inc.
