- Q: Why should I hire a pest management professional?
A: Professional pest managers are specialist that are educated, trained, and certified to handle pest management issues. Qualified pest management
professionals have the necessary experience and tools to provide protection against irritating and destructive pest. Modern pest managers practice integrated pest management (IPM)
where they first identify and monitor the offending pest and then design an effective program to control, manage or eliminate the pest from your home while protecting the safety of you, your family and your pets.
- Q: How can I be sure that the pesticides being used in either over- the-counter products or by professionals are safe for my home and family?
A: Pesticides (which include disinfectants and other household cleaners as well) are intended to be safe to consumers and the pest professionals that use them. Before being approved by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a specified use against a target pest, pesticides must undergo stringent controlled test and studies. After approval, pesticides are subjects to strict laws, regulations and controls to ensure that they are used correctly and according to approved labels. In addition, pest management professionals are required to attend pesticides safety and applicator certification at least every two years in most states. All legally registered pesticides that are approved by EPA have a registration number on their label which also contains detailed instructions hen a ensure that when a pesticide is used according to these instructions it will not harm you, before using an over-the-counter pesticide, read the entire label and follow all instructions.
- Q: I recently opened up my pantry door and found moths flying around the food? Are these insects dangerous and what can I do to get rid of them?
A: There are several moths that are considered pantry pest. The moths are not dangerous but are a nuisance especially when they breed and their larvae infest various foods such as cereal, flour, and gains. Larvae will feed on food in protected areas and then move away from food to pupate or rest until emerging in their adult forms as moths. The best way to eliminate an infection is to thoroughly clean the infected area. Seal infested food in plastic bags and discard it in the trash. Seal similar food items in clear plastic bags as well, especially if they had been stored near any infested products for very long. Vacuum all cracks where grains might be spilled. A pest management professional can accurately identify the type of moth in your pantry and prescribe a treatment that is tailored to meet your specific needs.
- Q: How can I keep wasps from nesting near my home? I am worried about my children's safety?
A: In early spring, most social wasps come out of hibernation and look for ideal places to start there nest. They will be less likely to nest on your property if you make it less attractive to them. Make sure that garbage placed outside is kept clean, tightly sealed containers. If you have fruit trees in your yard, consider removing them or regularly removing fruits that have fallen and began to rot on the ground. Keep screens tightly secured on windows and doors and make sure that they do not have gaps or openings in them. It is a good idea to hire a pest management firm to remove any old nest and check for wasp activity. They can monitor and prevent wasps from successfully constructing new nests on your home. A pest manager will also be able to advise you on other changes that may be needed to reduce wasp activity on your property.
- Q: What's the best way to get rid of mice now without using pesticides or poisons and how can I keep them out?
A: Snap traps can be used with or without bait to capture mice. Place the traps in areas where you have seen mice, their droppings are near any suspect holes. Glue-type traps may also be used if you are comfortable using them. Look for small holes and openings near the ground, around the roof, and behind bushes an on the outside of your home. Also, examine where wires, drains, and other utilities come into and out of your home. If you notice any openings, try to seal them up. Mice are very clever and can gnaw though a variety of tough materials. You may have to add fixtures like door sweeps, metal screens, or other sealants to keep them out. Inside, look for evidence of droppings, gnawing, and other chewing damage.
- Q: What's the difference between ants and termites?
A: Ants typically have elbowed antennae and the midsections of their bodies have “pinched waists.” Termites have antennae that are not elbowed and the middles of their bodies are thicker and not thin and narrow. If wings are present, the front and back wings of ants will vary in shape and size, while the front and back wings in termites are very similar in shape and size.
- Q: How can I tell if I have a termite infestation and what are the signs of damage associated with termites?
A: Termites feed on cellulose in wood and paper products such as books, cardboard, and various other items. Termite damage in homes is usually not obvious until significant damage has occurred. Sometimes homeowners first notice termites when they swarm. Swarmers are winged reproductive that leave the colony in a swarm to mate, reproduce, and form a new colony. Yet, it's the worker termites, that are seldom seen, that are the most numerous and the cause of most of the termite damage. Subterranean termites, the most common type, build nests in the ground and often construct mud tubes on structures. They use the mud tubes as passageways to explore for food and travel to and from the soil. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, you should have your home thoroughly inspected by a termite specialist.
- Q: How long does a typical subterranean termite treatment, applied by a professional pest management company, maintain its effectiveness?
A: There are many factors that can affect the longevity of the various termite treatments applied today including the type of treatment performed, environmental conditions, type and pH of the soil, or physical disruption of the treatment site. Ideally, treatments can last several years.
- Q: The termite company wants us to sign a contract to continue termite treatments. How long does it take to get rid of termites? And what sort of warranty (if any) is usually given after a termite treatment is preformed?
A: Depending on the situation it can take a few hours to several years to control a termite problem. The construction of your home, the area and extent of infection, the species of termite infesting your home as well as the treatment method you select, are some of the factors that have an affect on how quickly termites can be eliminated from your home. If more than one colony exists in any given area, or if you live in an area where well- established colonies exist, it can take more time to gain adequate control.
There is no typical warranty in the pest management industry for termite treatments. Warranties tend to vary site to site and can depend on the extent of your home's termite infection and the type of treatment
preformed. Whatever treatment or maintenance contract that you choose, make sure that you get any warranties and other guarantees in writing and stay updated on any termite problems and activity on your property. Also be sure to ask for a complete explanation of the terms of warranty and read all documents carefully before you sign them.