Pest Control Questions and Answers

Scheduling depends on provider availability and the type of issue. Ask about the earliest available visit, and explain if a nest or pest is close to an entrance, customer area or other high-traffic space.

Interior inspections usually require access to the affected rooms. Requirements for exterior-only work vary, so confirm access, gate and pet arrangements with the provider before the visit.

Visit length depends on the property, pest, inspection scope and treatment method. Ask the provider for an estimate based on the work planned; whole-structure termite fumigation and bed bug treatments can require substantially different schedules from a routine visit.

Risk depends on the product, application, placement and the people or animals in the home. Ask which product will be used, how it should be handled, and when people and pets may return. Tell the provider about children, pets, aquariums and any relevant sensitivities before treatment.

Whole-structure fumigation requires occupants to leave for the period specified by the fumigator and not return until the structure has been cleared. Other treatments may have room-specific or surface-specific precautions; follow the product label and provider instructions.

Rodent-control methods vary by site and must follow applicable rules and product labels. Ask the provider whether trapping, exclusion, monitoring or any baiting is proposed, and how risks to children, pets and wildlife will be managed.

Look for pellet piles, discarded wings, mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood. A termite inspection confirms it.

Only when drywood termites are widespread or hidden. Small, accessible infestations can often be treated locally. See termite control options.

Inspection frequency depends on the home, previous findings, visible risk factors and any real-estate or maintenance requirements. Ask a qualified inspector what interval is appropriate for the property.

Usually through roof gaps, eaves and vents, using tree branches and vines to reach the roof. See rodent exclusion.

Argentine ants can form interconnected colonies across adjoining yards, which can make recurring trails difficult to resolve. Bait type and placement should match the species and site; spraying over bait can interfere with some baiting programs. See ant control.

The number of visits depends on the treatment method, level of activity, preparation and follow-up findings. Ask what results to expect, how success will be checked and whether another visit may be needed. See bed bug treatment.