Everything to Consider When Choosing a Pest Control Service

Does the thought of having insects and rodents where you live make your skin crawl? A 2019 survey reported that about 2.9 million American homes reported pests. This included seeing both roaches and rodents in their house.

Hiring a pest control service can help you relax and live pest-free. This reduces the chance of property damage and health issues. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing a pest control service.

Health Problems Associated with Pests

Pests in the home can be more than unpleasant sights. They present a number of health problems. Roaches can trigger asthma attacks.

They also carry bacteria and spread it everywhere they crawl. The three most common bacteria include E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus. E. coli causes stomach illnesses such as vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea.

Staphylococcus aureus causes infections in the bones, joints, and bloodstream. It can also cause skin conditions and pneumonia.

Streptococcus is responsible for “strep” infections. These include strep throat, impetigo, scarlet fever, and toxic shock syndrome. It can also cause infectious skin inflammations such as cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis.

Humans can contract diseases directly from rodents via their saliva, feces, and urine. Indirect carriers include fleas, ticks, and mites that eat infected rodent blood can transmit disease as well.

Pest Control Service

It’s key to understand the difference between an exterminator and a pest control service. The goal of the exterminator is to kill the pests.

They often use pesticides in a broad area to make sure they’ve done their job. Exterminators offer a short-term solution for a long-term problem.

Pest control professionals focus on underlying causes and long-term solutions. The first step involves identifying the core issue and finding the source.

They target the main areas that pests prefer both inside and outside your home. Their Fast Action Approach attacks the problem at the source.

Next, the pest control professional creates a barrier around your home. This controls insect and rodent activity before it can even get to your house.

These educated, qualified, and licensed professionals create a plan for a long-lasting solution.

Types Of Pests

When looking for a pest control company, find out if they treat common pests in your area. For example, if you live in Elk Grove, California, your most common pests include the following.

• Ants: black, brown, red, yellow, and winged reproductive members
• Aphids: tiny, pear-shaped, soft insects with yellow, red, brown, green, or black coloring
• Bed bugs: yellowish to reddish-brown apple-seed sized and shaped bodies
• Cockroaches: black to brown flat-shaped bodies up to two inches and some with wings
• Fleas: tiny reddish-brown bugs that can jump 13 inches
• Spiders: many different colors with eight legs and two body parts
• Termites: different shades of brown, often with wings that can drop off
• Wasps: vary according to species, but all have six legs, a pinched waist, and two wings
• Weevils: in the same species with moths and beetles that feed on dry goods

Rodents include mice, rats, chipmunks, and squirrels. They have large front teeth that can cause property damage.

Pest Control Experience

It’s important to ask the prospective pest control company about their experience. How long have they been in business at their current address? This allows you to assess their stability.

Ask if the person that provides the service is certified or licensed. This tells you if they’re true pest control professionals.

Request a copy of their pest control license and the pesticide labels they use. Ask about how they apply the products and if they pose risks to the people living there.

Online Customer Reviews

Search online reviews of the companies in your area. Ask prospective companies for a list of customer reviews. If they refuse to provide one, this may be a red flag.

Remember when looking at previous customer descriptions, there may be some bias. Often, people don’t take the time to write a review unless they have a really good or really bad experience. However, if you see common themes, this can be valuable information.

Comparing Pest Control Fees

There are several factors that impact the price of pest control services. For example, treating common pests like ants, roaches, and spiders often has a lower fee.

Treatment for bed bugs, termites, and rodents requires more complex products and approaches. Thus, this will often cost more.

If you need frequent, repetitive interventions, this affects the price. Ask if the company has a package price that’s less than paying for individual visits.

The size of your home also makes a difference in the price. Larger homes often cost more because it takes more time and products for a treatment.

Pest Control Equipment

Today, the pest control industry uses many different types of products and equipment. The following describes some examples of common chemicals used.

• Boric acid: treats termites, cockroaches, and ants
• Fipronil: kills ants, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, beetles, weevils, crickets, and termites
• Hydramethynon: kills ants, cockroaches, crickets, termites, and silverfish
• Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: kills mosquitos and most household insects

Pest control professionals also use equipment such as sprayers, dusters, and foggers. Other items include bed bug steamers, bait guns, and granulators. Ask prospective companies what they use to treat the problem you’re having.

Do You Need Professional Pest Control?

Hiring a pest control service can improve your health and quality of life. Fast Action Pest Control provides free consultations to assess your specific pest issues. The inspection evaluates concerns and provides a treatment plan and a written estimate.

Our Enhanced Service Program offers monthly service to prevent common California pests. Fast Action’s experts understand pest biology and seasonal trends. We offer long-term control using the least toxic products and methods.

If you see pests between routine visits, we will come out immediately and address the issue. Call or fill out the free inspection form today.