Everything you need to know before hiring a pest control service.
Treatment methods vary by pest. Cockroaches and ants: gel bait, residual sprays, dusts. Rodents: snap traps, bait stations, exclusion (sealing entry points). Termites: liquid soil treatments (termiticides) or bait stations (Sentricon). Bed bugs: heat treatment, residual insecticides, or a combination. A reputable company will explain the specific treatment for your situation.
When applied correctly by a licensed professional, modern pest control products are generally safe once dried. Most liquid treatments require children and pets to stay off treated surfaces for 30 minutes to a few hours after application. Inform your technician about pets and children so they can use appropriate products and application methods.
Browse our directory and connect with a top-rated pest control companies professional.
Find a ContractorPreventive pest control is typically scheduled quarterly (every 3 months) or monthly for high-pressure situations. One-time treatments for active infestations are also available. Annual termite inspections are recommended for all homeowners in termite-prone regions. Monthly mosquito treatments during warm months are popular in humid climates.
Liquid termiticide treatments create a chemical barrier in the soil around the foundation, killing termites that attempt to cross it. Baiting systems (like Sentricon) place stations around the perimeter that attract termites to a slow-acting bait they share with the colony, eventually eliminating it. Both are effective; the best choice depends on your home's construction and the severity of infestation.
Signs of termites include: mud tubes along foundation walls or wood framing, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, discarded wings near windows and doors (from swarmers), blistered or darkened wood, and frass (termite droppings that look like sawdust or coffee grounds). Annual professional inspections catch infestations early.
Your technician will provide specific prep instructions. Generally: remove clutter from treatment areas, pull furniture away from walls, empty cabinets under sinks, cover food preparation surfaces, and secure or remove pet food and water. For bed bug heat treatments, remove heat-sensitive items (candles, aerosols, plants, pets).
Bed bugs travel via luggage, used furniture, clothing, and bedding. They are not associated with cleanliness — even clean hotels and homes get infestations. They hide in mattress seams, box springs, headboards, bed frames, and nearby furniture. Early detection (blood spots on sheets, shed skins, bites) is key to less costly treatment.
Annual plans typically include 4 quarterly visits with interior and exterior treatment, coverage for common pests (ants, cockroaches, spiders, earwigs, silverfish), and re-treatment between visits if covered pests return at no extra charge. Termites, rodents, and specialty pests are often excluded and priced separately.
Seal gaps around pipes, utility penetrations, and the foundation. Keep gutters clean and fix moisture problems. Store food in sealed containers. Keep firewood away from the home. Trim vegetation that touches the house. Address standing water. Annual preventive pest control service provides an additional protective barrier.
A complete quote should specify: pests being treated, treatment method and products, prep instructions, re-treatment guarantee, service frequency (for contracts), annual contract cost vs. per-visit cost, and any warranty on termite treatments. Get at least two quotes for termite treatments.