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Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.