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FAQs

• Introduction

  Pest control companies help keep homes and businesses free from pesky critters that crawl, scurry, slither, or fly. From fleas to termites and rodents to moles, pest control companies keep unwanted intruders from infiltrating and infesting places where humans live, work, or gather.

  
  

  Some folks are successful using DIY methods for pest control, and some popular DIY remedies include peppermint and other essential oils to ward off spiders and store-bought ant bait traps to treat an ant infestation. Still, it's hard to beat the experience and results offered by a pest control technician when it comes to ridding a space of pests.

  
  

  It’s also important to distinguish between situations that call for pest control, such as insects in the kitchen, or animal control, like small animals in the attic. Animal control generally responds to wildlife removal requests, including extracting a snake from a basement or re-homing an opossum family that’s taken up residence in a shed. Animal control also responds to calls concerning free-roaming domesticated animals such as cats and dogs.

• How can I tell if we have bed bugs?

  Signs of bed bugs include reddish or rusty stains when they're accidentally crushed on mattresses or sheets. Bed bug excrement is generally visible as small dark spots that may look smudged on bed linens. Eggs, eggshells, or freshly hatched nymphs with yellow skin may be spotted.

• How do I get rid of bed bugs myself?

  Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water and dry articles on high heat. Use a steamer on its highest heat setting to steam clean mattresses and other fabric-covered furniture. Infested items should be packed in black trash bags and left outside on a day when the temperature reaches a minimum of 95 degrees F.

• How do I treat my yard for bugs?

  Treat yards for bugs by spreading lawn insect killer throughout the entire lawn. If you prefer to avoid pesticides, you can discourage bugs from making your yard home by adding plants that bugs dislike, such as chrysanthemums and ridding the yard of any standing water. Install a bat house to attract bats, bugs’ natural enemy.

• Are house spiders harmful?

  Most house spiders are harmless, although they may bite when threatened. House spiders tend to make themselves at home beneath furniture, in attics and basements, and rooms used for storage. Other than some irritation at the bite site, most house spiders' bites are not a reason for concern.
  

  
  

  Common house spiders do not produce venom that can harm humans. Non-threatening species include the jumping spider, daddy longlegs, yellow sac spider, and hobo spider. Dangerous spiders include the black widow, recognizable for its red hourglass marking on its black body, and the brown recluse, which bears a violin-shaped marking on its light to dark brown body.

• How do I keep mice out of my house?

  Seal any holes or cracks where mice gain entry into the home using steel wool and caulk. Install weather stripping around windows and door sweeps on exterior doors. Make sure basements, attics, and crawl spaces are dry and well-ventilated. Place food in airtight containers and get rid of trash regularly.

• What attracts ants in my house?

  Ants are attracted to whatever gives them sustenance — food and water. Damp conditions and standing water are a big draw for ants. They have an acute sense of smell for sugar and love sweets, such as chocolate and jelly. Pet food, bread, and damp clothes and towels are known to entice ants.

• How did I get fruit flies in my house?

  Fruit flies are naturally drawn to moist environments and food waste. As their moniker suggests, fruit flies are attracted to fruit and vegetables, particularly moist and fermenting produce, where they tend to lay up to 500 eggs at a time. Empty cans and bottles, trash, drains, and wet mops also draw fruit flies.

• What should I do if I see a cockroach?

  If you see a cockroach, it's possible that there are  other cockroaches in your home since these insects live in nests. Signs of a cockroach infestation include dead roach bodies, remnants of hatched eggs (shell casings), and roach feces, which look similar to coffee grounds. A professional pest control technician should be called as soon as possible.

• How much does an exterminator cost?

  The national average to hire an exterminator is $675, with an average range from $350 to $1,000. The minimum cost for exterminator services is $50, while the maximum cost is $7,000. Costs vary based on the type of pest, the extent of the problem, the home's square footage, and whether onetime visits or recurring treatments are required.

• Is animal control free?

  Animal control services in many cities, counties, and jurisdictions across the country are free and provided by the government. However, contractors are not affiliated with the local, state, or federal government who deal with nuisance wildlife, such as muskrats, snakes, and moles. These businesses charge for their services.

• How much do pest control technicians make? 

  Pest control technicians bring home around $40,350 per year or $19.40 per hour on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Annual wages can be as high as $61,170 or $29.41 per hour or as low as $24,980 or $12.01 per hour. Technicians with experience and credentials in pest control receive the highest pay.

• Do I need to move furniture for pest control?

  The pest control technician can more easily do their job if the furniture is moved away from walls. This includes chairs, tables, beds, and couches. Moving the furniture out of the way provides the technician with the room needed to access hard-to-reach spaces.

• Is pest control safe for humans?

  The safety of pest control depends on the type of treatment rendered. A professional pest control company advises customers of any potential hazards, as some pest control procedures are not as safe as others. Depending on the treatment, you may have to leave your house for a few hours or prevent your pets from stepping on the lawn until it is safe to do so.
  

• Is pest control safe for pets?

  There are many types of pest control measures which are completely safe for pets. However, homeowners should discuss the safety of the treatment and its potential effects on their pets with the pest control technician. The technician can advise of any precautions necessary.

• How often should pest control be done?

  Some pest control is performed on a one-off basis where the problem is taken care of in one treatment. Other types of infestations may require multiple treatments over the course of many months or longer. Multiple visits by the pest control technician may be necessary for fleas, termites, earwigs, silverfish, and roaches.

• How long do you have to stay out of your house after pest control?

  Although the pest control technician should give specific instructions for how long to stay out of the home following treatments, a good rule of thumb is two to four hours. However, it may be as much as 24 hours for certain types of approaches.

• Is it worth getting pest control?

  Pest control is worth the expense because it helps homeowners maintain safe and healthy homes. In some cases, it can also protect the home from damage, such as when rats chew into electrical wires and cause fires or termites undermine a home’s foundation.