Choosing a pest control plan can feel like a daunting task, so to make the process a little easier we answered some frequently asked questions regarding pest control plans.
Why is pest control important?
Pests can be rather disruptive to everyday life, and seeing them or the debris they leave around your home or business can be unsettling. Beyond being a nuisance though, they bring with them a host of hazards. Most pests carry a number of bacteria and pathogens which they can transmit to humans and pets. Many pests can also cause allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups. This is quite dangerous in a residential setting, and can present a public health hazard in a business setting.
What’s more, pests can lead to expensive repairs. The average carpenter ant infestation can cost between $6,000 and $10,000 in damages. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage, but they’re not even the worst offenders; rodents cost homes and businesses more than $19 billion yearly! To top it all off, pests have an uncanny ability to ruin a business’s hard-earned reputation. Pest control not only eliminates vermin and the problems they bring- it prevents them from returning as well. Being proactive about pest control is vital for any home or business owner and it helps to ensure the safety of family, staff, and customers alike.
How often is pest control needed?
Each property has its own unique set of pest control requirements, and a plan will be tailored to meet them. Typically, properties should be serviced either monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly. Properties that are currently infested, or those that are prone to infestations, may need monthly treatments. For the most part, commercial properties require more frequent treatments than residential ones, and should generally be serviced monthly or bimonthly as they cater to members of the public. All properties should receive preventative treatments at the beginning of each season. If a property’s pest control needs change, the frequency of treatments can be adjusted accordingly.
Why are recurring treatments important?
Unfortunately, one treatment is almost never enough to eliminate a pest problem. With each new season, a new generation of pests emerges looking for a home. These new generations are not small either- queen ants can lay as many as 800 eggs per day and pests like mice produce a litter every three weeks. The pests that were eliminated with last season’s treatment will be replaced by the new generation unless a pest control plan is in place. In addition, eggs that were laid before a treatment may not be affected depending on the treatment type. These eggs will later hatch and can very well become a new infestation if the recently-hatched pests are not dealt with. A recurring pest control plan will knock pests down before they have a chance to reestablish a population. Recurring plans also allow for bait stations and barrier treatments to be replenished.
Which pests come back?
The pests that most frequently reinfest are bed bugs, cockroaches, and termites. Other insects like ants and fleas also commonly return.
A recurring pest control plan will keep your property pest-free so you can worry about more important things. Call us today and we’ll build the plan that is right for you. Mother nature never rests, and neither does Excel.
