Pest Control Knowledge Quiz

General pest control runs 40-100 per visit, with quarterly programs around 100-200 per quarter. Termite treatments are far more: 1,200-2,500 for liquid barriers, 2,000-4,000 for bait stations.

The pest type, home size, infestation severity, and treatment frequency. Rodents, termites, and bed bugs cost more than general crawling insects, and a one-time service costs more per visit than a contract.

A one-time treatment works for a single ant or wasp issue. Recurring problems, seasonal pests, and prevention generally need quarterly or bi-monthly visits because treatments break the pest lifecycle over time.

Compare the guarantee, the active ingredients used, and response time. Local operators often offer same-week service and know regional pest pressure, while chains offer consistent service-level agreements.

The contract should name the pests covered, visit frequency, what is excluded (termites, wildlife, bed bugs), the guarantee, and the cancellation terms. Get exclusions in writing before signing.

Prepaid multi-year contracts that auto-renew, vague pest lists that exclude your problem, and upselling on unnecessary treatments like routine sprays after a single sighting.

Ask which pesticides they use, whether they are licensed and insured, what the guarantee covers, how fast they respond to callbacks, and whether the price locks for the contract term.

Ask for their state pesticide applicator license number and verify it with your state regulatory agency. Also confirm they carry general liability and workers compensation insurance.

Most companies guarantee pest-free conditions between visits and will return free if pests reappear within a set window, typically 30-90 days. Read what the guarantee actually covers.

A proper termite inspection checks the foundation, crawl space, attic, wood-to-soil contact, and moisture issues, and produces a written report of damage or activity. Some companies charge for it; many include it free.

Quotes differ with the treatment method, product quality, warranty length, and whether the price covers the entire property perimeter or just interior spots. Compare the scope, not just the number.

Verify the license, read the contract’s pest list and exclusions, confirm the guarantee, and ask whether the price includes exterior perimeter treatment or only interior.

Within days for ants and roaches, within 24-48 hours for rodents (they breed fast and chew wiring), and immediately for wasp nests near entry points. Termites warrant a professional inspection within a week.

Over-the-counter sprays handle minor ant and roach issues. Infestations, termites, rodents in walls, and bed bugs need professionals, because DIY products lack the residual power and application technique.

Droppings, gnaw marks on wires and wood, scratching in walls at night, and grease marks along baseboards. Rodents reproduce quickly and damage wiring, so professional exclusion and trapping is warranted.

Exclusion seals entry points with caulk, screens, and door sweeps to keep pests out; treatment applies products to kill and deter. A good program uses both, because sprays alone do not stop new pests entering.

Rain drives ants and termites indoors, cold pushes rodents inside, and warm springs spike breeding. Seasonal treatments are scheduled around local pest pressure rather than a fixed calendar.

Clear countertops and floors, move furniture away from baseboards in the treatment area, cover or remove pet food and dishes, and make sure the technician can reach the exterior perimeter and crawl space access.

Most general treatments dry within 1-2 hours and allow re-entry after that, though pets and children should stay off treated surfaces until dry. Follow the label and the technician’s specific instructions.

Bed bugs, termites, and German roaches are the hardest because they hide, reproduce fast, and resist many products. They typically require multiple visits and specialized methods like heat treatment or baiting.

Get itemized quotes from two companies, avoid multi-year prepaid contracts, confirm the pest list covers your issue, and decline add-ons you do not need like routine sprays after a single sighting.

Call the company immediately and reference the guarantee. Document the sightings with photos and dates. If they refuse the callback, escalate to the licensing agency or file a complaint.

Diatomaceous earth and boric acid work for specific crawling insects in dry areas, and traps handle occasional rodents. They are preventive tools, not cures for established infestations.

Prevention via a quarterly program runs about 400-800 per year, while treating an established infestation like termites or bed bugs can cost 2,000-5,000 or more. Prevention is nearly always cheaper.