Can I do my own pest control?

In many cases, yes, but only if you are willing to invest the time, effort and expense necessary to gather information and do what’s necessary to solve your pest problems. Again, anyone can spray pesticides, but pest management often involves much more. Control of some pests, such as bees and wasps, may be too dangerous for you to risk doing yourself. Other pests, such as termites, require specialized knowledge and equipment, and are best left to professionals.

What is IPM?

IPM is Integrated Pest Management, the basic premise of pest control. Its goal is not to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. The goal of IPM is to control pests; by using the best control methods after carefully considering each method’s safety, effectiveness, cost, and effect on non-target organisms and the environment.

Shouldn’t all the baseboards in my home be sprayed?

No. This used to be the standard practice of pest management technicians but it is generally ineffective and needlessly exposes people and pets to pesticide. Pests occasionally live behind baseboards, rarely inside them, but never on them. So rarely is there a need to spray baseboards. If pesticides are to be applied, they should be applied to the cracks, crevices and voids where pests spend most of their time.

If I want ongoing, periodic service, what should the service consist of?

Once any existing infestations are brought under control, most of your service technician’s time should be spent inspecting for pests, not chatting with you nor applying pesticides where there are no pests. When the technician’s inspection discovers evidence of a pest problem, he/she should determine the best methods to use, then apply those methods.

What frequency of service is best?

That depends on your situation and the type of pest involved. Some pests can be controlled by a single service. Others may take months, or even longer. Once your pest problems are eliminated, you may opt to retain periodic service, but that service should focus on inspection and spot treatment of pests if and where they are discovered, rather than routine pesticide application.

Are pesticides always necessary to control pests?

No! There are many pests that can, and should, be managed quite successfully without pesticides. Many others can be managed by using only pesticides with less toxic active ingredients and formulations such as baits, dusts, and microencapsulate pesticides that present less risk of human exposure.

Are pesticides safe? What about pregnant women, children and infants?

No chemical substance is absolutely safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers all pesticides, after assessing that each presents tolerable risk when used according to label directions. Any use inconsistent with a pesticide’s label is a punishable violation of federal law. In general it is the misuse, not the use of pesticides that is hazardous. The EPA recognizes that risks associated with pesticide exposure may be greater for pregnant women, children and infants, and takes this into account when registering pesticides. If you’re concerned about these risks, have your physician review the labels of pesticides that will be used in your home.

Which is best for termites: baits or liquid treatments?

That depends on the structure, and on you. Both baits and liquid treatments will protect structures from termites. Some baits work better than others, just as some liquid termiticides work better than others. Unlike liquid treatments, baits must be checked periodically. Liquid treatments can be more invasive, however, and may require floors and walls to be accessed and drilled so that termiticide can be applied to the soil below.

Are all termite control guarantees the same?

Pest control companies generally recommend that consumers pay an annual fee after a structure is treated for termites. Essentially, this fee continues the terms of the original contract and can be thought of as “termite insurance” that usually obligates the company to retreat the structure if termites reappear, and in some cases to repair subsequent termite damage at no charge to the customer. Annual inspection of the structure, performed by qualified pest control personnel, is also recommended.

How long do liquid termiticides last?

Again, it depends on the product, soil conditions, and the quality of application. To obtain EPA registration, today’s liquid termiticides are required to protect the structure for at least five years. Some can last much longer.

How much should pest control service cost?

The best way to determine this is to compare estimates from several companies. It can be unwise to hire the company offering the lowest price, because there are many other factors to consider. In addition, each of us is unique in our tolerance of pests, pesticides, and prices. Again, the more information you gather, the easier it will be to decide if the price is right.

The technician told me some things I need to do – what am I paying for?

You’re paying for the technician’s knowledge and service. If you’re dissatisfied with the service, tell your technician. Part of his/her job is to advise you of improvements you can make around the house to help make it less hospitable to pests. Whether you take that advice is up to you, but good pest management often requires cooperation between you and your technician. If you cannot personally do the things your technician recommends, you might hire someone else to do it.

Who can I call if I suspect my house is not being properly serviced?

First express your concerns to the technician who provided your service. If you’re not satisfied with the technician’s response, call the company. If issues still cannot be resolved, you can contact the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General’s office, or the agency that regulates structural pest control in your state.