FAQ's

Are the products you use safe?
All of the products we use are toxic to insects, but they pose no threat to humans or other mammals. We do, however, realize that people don't like to be exposed to treatments. That’s why we concentrate most of our applications on the exterior of the home. On the inside, we concentrate heavily on inspecting and treating where the pests are likely to be and not out in the open. We are as concerned about this topic as you are, so we always look for better ways to control pests inside and out.

I just had my outside service done, and it rained the next day. Do I need to have my house treated again?
No. As long as the materials had an opportunity to dry, which takes about 30 minutes, it will stay adhered to the surface it was applied to. While rain, sun and wind will all break down pesticides, they are designed to withstand the elements for up to 90 days. On most days when there is a chance of rain, we will use a granulated material instead of liquid sprays. The granules work in a similar fashion to fertilizers in that they are time released by rain and moisture.

How frequently should my home be serviced?
That’s a good question – one that is very dependent on the conditions around your home. Homes surrounded by trees and shrubs, back up to wooded areas, or have a lot of activity that keeps doors open will require more frequent visits. Other homes may require fewer visits to achieve the same results. See our 365 Custom Home Protection program for details about service around the home.

I found some termite activity in a fence post, what now?
While this does not mean that the house is falling down, it does let you know that termites are active around your home. This is a great time to go after the termite colony, rather than waiting for them to come to you and do damage. The Sentricon™ system for termite control works outside your home to monitor and kill termites outside where they belong.

Do I need to leave when you service?
Only if you want to. We primarily use no- or low-odor materials in and around homes and businesses. If you would feel more comfortable leaving, let us know how we can best accommodate your needs.

I have heard that if I find ants around my home, I might have a termite problem. Is that correct?
No. There is no correlation between the two. While both favor similar habitats, such as mulch beds and woodpiles, they are mortal enemies of one another. Finding one does not mean that the other is soon to follow.

My house is 10 years old, should I worry about termites?
Most homes in our area will develop termite activity between the ages of eight and 15 years. While some may start early and others never have problems, most homes in this range will have termites at some point. You may start to see your neighbors having termite treatments done. While this will not send them your way, it will alert you that termites are moving into the neighborhood. It’s at this point that you want to keep your eyes open. Call us for a free guide of what signs to look for in and around your home to determine if termites have moved in.

What can I expect on an exterior pest control visit during the winter?
During the winter, we concentrate on using residual dusts, baits and granular materials to prepare the house for spring. By treating early in the season, we can prevent the pests that come alive at the first hint of spring. With winter being less severe than years past, many species are able to not only survive, but thrive year round.

I saw a mouse in my garage, is my house infested?
Not necessarily. You may have just a single mouse in the house. The only way to really know is to have a professional inspect for signs of infestation or to purchase glue traps, and monitor the activity yourself. Many times a single mouse will enter a home for food or shelter if the door is left open. If you see more than one, you will need some other form of control for them.

I haven't seen any problems since you began regular service, do I really need to keep a regular program?
The reason you haven't seen any problems is because of our regular service. By treating your home on a regular basis, we maintain a barrier that keeps pests out, so you don't see them. If service was stopped, we’re sure that pest activity would increase.

Every fall and spring, I get an influx of ladybugs. What can I do?
These pests are simply trying to stay warm inside your walls and home over the winter. Control of these pests starts in the fall. You should seal as many cracks and crevices as possible around windows and doors and under siding. A residual treatment around these areas also will help kill any that find a way in.

Our dog found a dead mouse in the yard. Should I be concerned with secondary poisoning because the mouse might have eaten from the rodent bait stations?
No. The materials we sell and use to service around your home will not accumulate to dangerous levels inside a mouse or other rodent. In general, these pests require only a single feeding for control, which would not be enough to harm larger pets.

Do you accept competitors’ coupons?
We accept most competitors’ coupons, but only on initial services or termite control. There are a few that we do not accept, but feel free to ask when you call to see if the coupon can be accepted.

Why do I see more mice in the fall and winter?
Mice enter homes in the fall and winter months because their natural foods (insects, plants, and seeds) are in short supply. They are also attracted to the heat that escapes from buildings. Things like long grass, overgrown bushes, and piles of leaves provide an excellent home for mice to live in right next to your house. From there it is only a short trip inside for food. At times they may get inside and find that they would rather live there instead. Exterior baiting is the best long term solution to preventing mice from entering the home by giving them a lethal food supply where they live - outside.

Do ants or termites have wings?
Actually both do. The winged versions of these pests are the reproductives that the colony sends out to try and start new colonies. It is important however to know if it is an ant or a termite. Look at the picture below for a comparison. Winged ants are harmless and their presence means that there is a nest, usually outside the home, and they were attracted to a light inside. Termites if found inside, are an indication that a termite colony is probably feeding on your home and a treatment is needed.

Why do I need to have my home serviced in the winter? Don’t all the bugs die when it gets cold?
The reason we treat your home year round is because insects actually don’t die off over the winter. They go deeper down into the soil or like ladybugs they will come inside to stay warm. Insects are smart enough to recognize the oncoming cold and build up supplies of food for the winter. We actually use different types of materials for the winter visits that penetrate deeper into the soil to target these clever pests. These materials are designed to hold up better in cold weather and are the best protection against pests from entering at the first warm spell.

I have a brick home, why do I need to worry about termites?
Unless your home has steel studs and floor joists, you need to worry. Behind your walls are wood studs, beneath you feet are wood floors, and floor joists, around your windows and doors are wood frames. You are surrounded by wood even if it is not entirely visible. Termites can enter a home through a crack 1/64th of an inch, which is about how big the cracks are between bricks on your home. Once inside they will work discreetly to consume the wood and take it back to the nest. Our monitoring program will help prevent this unwarranted attack, by catching them before they find your home in the first place.

Mosquitoes are all over me and my family as soon as we go outside. What can be done for them?
We have a new service program specifically targeted toward mosquitoes. This treatment program uses a fine mist application of microencapsulated materials to treat all of the foliage around your house and yard. This targeted application kills mosquitoes where they rest and hide during the day.

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