Pests can quickly turn a peaceful home or business into a nightmare. Knowing the right time to contact pest control services is crucial to prevent infestations from worsening.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key signs and situations that warrant professional pest intervention. By understanding when to seek help, you can protect your property and peace of mind.
When Should You Call Pest Control
Knowing when to call pest control is important to prevent pest infestations from worsening and causing damage to your property. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to contact pest control:
- Structural damage: If you notice any structural damage to your property caused by pests, such as chewed wires or holes in walls, it’s time to call pest control.
- Unexplained health issues: If you or your family members are experiencing unexplained health problems that seem related to pests, it’s essential to seek professional pest control services to eliminate the problem and safeguard your health.
- Droppings and tracks: The presence of pest droppings or tracks in your home is a clear sign of an infestation that needs immediate attention from pest control experts.
- Sightings or smear marks: If you spot pests or smear marks left by them, it’s time to contact pest control.
- Recurring pest problem: If you’ve attempted DIY solutions to eradicate pests but they keep returning, it’s time to call pest control.
- Commercial or DIY treatments not working: If you’ve tried commercial or DIY treatments without success, it’s a strong indication that professional pest control is needed.
- Neighbor has a pest problem: If your neighbor has called pest control to treat their home, it’s advisable to have your home inspected as well.
- Consistent signs of pests: If you consistently observe signs of pests in your home, it’s a clear indication of a pest infestation that requires professional pest control.
- Strange smell: If you detect an unusual odor in your home, it could signify that pests have died in hidden areas, necessitating a call to pest control.
Pest problems tend to worsen over time, so taking early action can save you from costly repairs and potential health issues.
When you call pest control, you’re enlisting the expertise of professionals who can swiftly and safely address all types of pests, identifying and treating them effectively to prevent further property damage.
Common Pests That Require Professional Extermination
There are several common pests that require professional extermination. Here are some of the most common pests that necessitate professional pest control services:
- Termites: Termites can cause significant structural damage to your property, and DIY solutions are often ineffective. Professional exterminators possess the knowledge and tools to effectively eliminate termite infestations.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate, and professional exterminators have the expertise and equipment required to eliminate them effectively.
- Ants: While some ant infestations can be managed with DIY solutions, others demand professional pest control services to effectively eliminate the problem.
- Spiders: Certain spider species, such as black widows and brown recluses, can pose dangers to humans. Professional exterminators can safely identify and eliminate spider infestations.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches are carriers of diseases and can be a significant health hazard. Professional exterminators possess the knowledge and tools to effectively eliminate cockroach infestations.
- Fleas: Fleas can be challenging to eliminate, and professional exterminators have the expertise and equipment necessary for their effective eradication.
- Stinging insects: Stinging insects like bees and wasps can be hazardous to humans, especially those with allergies. Professional exterminators can safely remove stinging insect nests.
- Mice and rats: Mice and rats can inflict substantial damage to your property and carry diseases harmful to humans. Professional exterminators have the knowledge and tools to effectively eliminate rodent infestations.
By enlisting the services of professional exterminators, you can ensure the effective and safe removal of these common pests, safeguarding both your property and your health.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional Exterminator
The cost of hiring a professional exterminator varies depending on several factors, such as the type of pest, the level of infestation, and the treatment methods used.
On average, an exterminator costs between $150 and $400, with the national average for a one-time visit being approximately $390, but prices ranging from $250 to $525.
While general, full-service pest control can require an annual investment ranging from $400 to $950 based on quotes from different exterminators, the cost of exterminating specific pests can vary significantly. For instance, bed bug eradication may cost up to $5,000, whereas dealing with ants typically costs $500 or less.
Severity of infestation can also impact costs, with severe cases potentially requiring fumigation or tenting, which could increase the overall service cost.
It’s worth noting that the cost can also vary by location and the chosen extermination company, and during your initial consultation, professionals will gather specific details to determine the precise cost of their services.
How Many Days Does Pest Control Last
The duration of pest control treatments can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of pest, the level of infestation, and the treatment methods used. Here are some estimates of how long pest control treatments typically last based on search results:
- Preventative treatment for ants, cockroaches, and other common pests: Usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- General pest control treatments: These treatments can last for several months and are effective against common household pests.
- Insecticides used to kill flying insects: Typically last about 30 days but can be affected by heavy rain or other weather conditions.
- Pest control treatments that address a whole infestation: Should be repeated approximately every 90 days.
- The most effective pest control products: These are commonly used by pest control companies and remain effective for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days.
The duration of a pest technician’s visit depends on the type of infestation you have, with a typical pest exterminator treatment lasting between 30 and 90 days. However, this duration may vary slightly based on the type of pesticide applied.
Note that the duration of pest control treatments can also be influenced by your location, the specific extermination company you choose, and the severity of the infestation.
After the treatment, it is advisable to stay out of the property for a minimum of two hours and a maximum of 24, depending on the treatment.
For the first three to five days following treatment, only conduct light cleaning, both for your health and to prevent bugs from returning. You can perform deeper cleaning after about a week to 10 days.
Is Pest Control Worth to Reach Out
Determining whether pest control is worthwhile depends on several factors.
DIY vs. Professional Pest Control: While DIY is cheaper upfront, professionals offer more effective and long-term solutions.
Severity of Infestation: Severe infestations warrant professional help to save time and money.
Preventative Measures: Regular pest control prevents costly infestations in problem-prone areas.
Expertise and Equipment: Professionals provide effective pest elimination and prevention advice.
Cost: Though professional services may seem costlier initially, they prevent expensive property damage.
In summary, choose professional services for severe infestations or pest-prone areas, while DIY methods suffice for smaller-scale issues.
