Most people will be fine inside their residence during treatment. However people who have known allergies to chemicals (pesticides-cleaning products-etc.), smells, or a medical condition should be out of the home during the treatment and 45 minutes after the treatment. This applies to GPC only, interior flea and roach treatments require longer.
Is what you’re spraying safe for my children and my pets?
When used according to the label, our products have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing pest populations in and around structures. The label states to keep people and pets out of contact with treated surfaces until they have dried.
What should I do with my children and pets during the treatment?
Safety is our number one concern. Our product labels state that children and pets must be out of the treatment areas during and after the treatment until the area has dried. Once dry the product is in its safest form. This is the case for most treatments we perform.
I have a medical condition that makes me sensitive to certain chemicals; can you still help me get rid of my bug problem?
Yes we can. There are other methods available to reduce the pest population in your environment. Integrated Pest Management or IPM is a practice that focuses on structural /environmental repairs and the reduction in conducive conditions around the property. Combined with insect trapping and minimal spraying, IPM works well.
Should I clean my home before or after you complete your pest control treatment?
The best time to clean is before the technician comes out to perform your pest control service. We apply a fine mist of spray to the floor/baseboard junction. Once dry it will provide an invisible barrier of protection. If this area is mopped or wiped down the barrier of protection is gone and the bugs will return very quickly. Light/dry dusting is ok.
Do you work late or on the weekends?
Generally we do not work past 6pm or on the weekends, however in some cases we can get a technician to cover special requests. We have many customers who leave us keys or an open door as additional options. Whatever you are most comfortable with we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Will the spray damage my wood floors, baseboards, siding?
We have been using the same products for 14 years and counting and have not had any problems when the technician applies the spray properly. (With a high pressure in their tank and a clean nozzle) In rare cases where product spots or puddles due to improper application, a simple wet cloth will wipe it off. This applies to most of our formulations under normal circumstances. If there is a concern we can test an inconspicuous area to be sure.
Will the spray damage my plants outside?
Our tried and true formulation is actually derived from the chrysanthemum flower and will not harm most ornamental plants. However we want to make sure to keep all sprays off of any plants that are going to be consumed by people, pets, or livestock. Please let us know if you have any of these around.
Is there anything I can do to better be ready for my upcoming appointment?
Yes. For GPC treatments it is important to have any floor mopping or baseboard dusting done prior to our arrival. Access to all baseboards in closets, under beds, and other areas of the home helps us to give a more thorough treatment. Porch and furniture can also be moved away from the walls. The technician will move reasonable items when treating but will not have time to move everything all the time. This is where you can help us help you. Specific Guidelines apply to other types of treatments and will be easily outlined in our handouts.
Do I need to clean out my cabinets and pantry before my treatment?
GPC treatments do not require you to clean out your cabinets. Roach treatments do require your cabinets to be cleaned out.
What kind of pesticide do you use on my home?
For GPC treatments we use a water-based pyrethroid insecticide on the interior and exterior surfaces of the structure. A sand based granule, which is also a pyrethroid insecticide, is spread around the structure in a five foot band. A pyrethroid dust is placed in the weep holes and other exterior cracks and crevices. For certain structures we power dust the attic with diatomaceous earth. Specific product names and info can be given upon request.
What is a pyrethroid insecticide?
A pyrethroid is an organic compound similar to the natural pyrethrins produced from the chrysanthemum flower. It is the most common type of insecticide used in the pest management industry. They are some of the safer insecticides for humans and are generally broken down by the sun
How often should I have my home treated?
This would depend on your level and type of insect infestation. Some structures are always having some type of unwanted pests. Some people do not want to have to deal with any bugs. While others may have allergic reactions to insect stings. If you fit into any of these categories then a Quarterly Program will be your best fit. Monthly exterior service will provide the same results. If you just have the occasional invader then twice a year should stop the bugs.
Why should I have pest control treatments in the winter time, I don’t see many bugs?
Just like you and I, bugs too like to stay warm and dry in the winter. During the winter time insects seek shelter inside the walls and attics of your structure. You don’t see quite as many because they do less foraging for food and water due to a slower metabolism in the winter. But come summertime they are back even more prevalent than last year.
Why should I hire a professional?
Pest control treatments should be performed by a professional to help insure results are achieved in a safe, effective and environmentally responsible manner. The endless hours of safety training, proper application techniques, and insect knowledge are all used in determining the best treatment protocol for your situation. Costs of treatments performed by homeowners are often not that much less when you consider the time, equipment & insecticide cost, and no guarantee when it doesn’t work right.
How long before I see results from the pest control treatment?
Most treatments will provide you with some form of immediate result. However it generally take 14 – 21 days to see full results from our GPC treatment. Other treatments such as Top Choice Fire Ant Treatment can take up to 6 weeks to become fully effective. Once a structure is treated the insects must become exposed to the insecticide and succumb to its effects. This can take a little time. If it killed them instantly it would be way too strong to be used around you or your family.
What is the best way for me to help in preventing pest problems?
As with anything prevention is the best way. First start by eliminating areas that are conducive to insect harborage. Wood piles, leaf litter, debris piles, rock piles, cluttered garages, full gutters, and rotten trim wood are all good harborage sites and need to be removed. Second, food and water sources must be eliminated. Put pet food in sealed containers and water bowls elevated off the ground. Third, you need to make sure any entry ways into your structure have been sealed. Weather strip doors (all sides), seal pipe fitting under sinks, caulk around light fixtures, fix torn screens, stuff weep holes, repair missing mortar at overhang, and cut trees and bushes off of your home.
I still see bugs after my GPC treatment, what should I do now?
If it has not yet been 21 days since your last treatment we must wait before we can perform any retreat. This is a regulation that is stated in the product label. If it has been longer than 21 days, give us a call and we will discuss the retreatment options with you. For other types of treatments results should be seen much sooner. Give us a call to inquire about your specific treatment. Warranties are only for climate controlled areas only unless otherwise stated.
It is going to rain today; will I still get my scheduled treatment today?
Yes. We realize you have previously made an appointment and we will be sure to make it out. If it is raining when we arrive we will only treat the inside and return on a follow up visit to treat the exterior. You do not need to be home on this follow up visit. We will leave a service ticket stating what was treated.
It rained right after my treatment, should I get my home retreated ?
It is not necessary to immediately have your structure retreated if it rains. The products we use are specially formulated to hold up against rain and water sprinklers. The granules that are spread around the home are activated by water. You are still covered by your warranty as stated on your service ticket, so if you have any problems during the warranty period you are covered
What payment options are available for your services?
Cash, Checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express. Payment plans are available for certain types of treatments.
Do I need to mail in my payment or can I pay the technician?
We would prefer that you pay the technician at the time of service. Cash or check is our preferred method of payment, due to credit cards processing fees of 3 – 5 %. However if you would like to pay by credit card please call the office once the technician has presented you with you invoice to process your payment.
How do you schedule your services, I am very busy and need to know when the technician will be arriving?
We understand the importance of your time, so we schedule all appointments with 1 hour arrival blocks. We don’t want to make you wait on us all day like the other guys. Specific arrival times can be accommodated in certain cases. Let us know what you need.