How Pest Control is Done

Few things can be as worrisome as your home or business is infested by insects, rodents, or other pests. And, even once the problem is eradicated, you more than likely are left feeling a sense of relief but also wondering how long the pest control measures will keep the pests from returning. This is why most pest control services are asked the same question, “How is pest control done?”

In most cases, if you think you might be starting to have a pest infestation, odds are you are already being overrun with them. They simply haven’t made their full presence known yet. It is important to note that the best way to treat a pest infestation is to prevent one from ever occurring in the first place. In other words, you shouldn’t wait until you need pest control to have it done.

As for pest control frequency, the duration between follow-up treatments is determined by a variety of different factors, including:

• The quality of the pest control measures used

• The type of pest

• The severity of the infestation

• How well the points of entry were identified and plugged or repaired

• How well you followed the pest control technician’s prevention advice

Pest Control Starts with a “Clean Out” Service

To determine how often you need pest control, your first step will be to consult a professional to help identify any pests or risk factors in or around your property and determine the best treatment option.

After the consultation, your technician will do an initial “clean out” of your home, yard, and garage to eradicate any pests already in your home. A professional pest control service will recommend a multi-tiered approach that includes eradicating pests and taking preventative measures to ensure pests don’t re-enter your home.

You should consult with your technician to identify any cracks or crevices that allow bugs and other pests to enter the house and ensure they are properly sealed. Take particular care that there are no gaps in the weather stripping around your doors to prevent small insects and other pests from invading your home.

Your Pest Control Technician Will Create a Treatment Schedule

If you have pests, then you should call a reputable pest control service. Once the technician arrives, he or she will perform a thorough inspection of the property to look for signs of infestation, the type of pest you have, and the severity of the problem. The technician will also identify the entry and exit points and determine the best type of treatment to be used in your unique situation.

Once the initial treatment is provided, the technician will provide you with information on how to keep the pests from returning. The tech will also set up a treatment schedule so your home or business will be able to keep the pests out for good. Usually, bi-monthly (every two months) treatments are enough in cases of normal infestations, but in more serious cases, monthly treatment may be required to get the situation better under control.

Maintaining a Pest-free Environment

Once you have eradicated pests from your home, you probably want to keep it that way. There are frequency offerings that will vary depending on the pest control provider, and what you’ll need should be based on the needs of your individual home.

• For effective prevention, bi-monthly (every-other-month) pest control service is recommended for most homes and needs. Applications are designed to last up to two months, ensuring your home stays pest-free. Look for a pest control company that offers a policy that allows for follow-up treatment between services in case you see an occasional live pest scurrying around the house in between regularly scheduled services.

• Some homeowners opt for a monthly or quarterly pest control service depending on pest pressure around their property. Certain pests and homes that are adjacent to open land may need monthly services to keep pests to an acceptable level. Conversely, quarterly services may be all that is needed for homes with less activity. However, because treatments will not last between service intervals, if you choose this option, you’re more likely to see the occasional pest around your property.