FAQ
Q: Is the products you use in and around my home safe?
A: All professional pest control products have been registered for use by the EPA. When they are applied according to label instructions by technicians who have been trained and licensed to use them, they pose virtually no risk.
Q: What should I look for in choosing a termite and pest control company?
A: There are a number of factors that may differentiate pest control companies from one another. Following are some general guidelines for choosing a pest control company:
• Look for a reputable company with representatives knowledgeable about pest and/or termite habits, types of construction, treatment specifications and state regulations.
• Ask friends and associates to recommend companies they have used.
• Look for memberships in industry associations such as the Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) or the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that provide ethical guidelines and technical information.
• Find out if continued coverage is offered that includes treatment for re-infestation
Be certain the company is licensed by your state’s regulatory agency.
Q: Why do I need a pest control professional?
A: The pest management professional relies on pesticide application as just one part of a total pest management program. The untrained consumer, who purchases a pesticide over-the-counter, can only make an intuitive judgment on how to properly apply the pesticide. However, the professional pest management technician relies on training, expertise and more sophisticated techniques to manage pests in an environmentally friendly manner.
Q: If you hire a pest control professional (often known as an exterminator), are you guaranteed a pest-free home?
A: Pest control companies differ in their guarantees. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing prevention and management are necessary. It is important that homeowners remain active participants before, during and after all pest control treatments. This type of vigilance helps the homeowner better understand their contract and possible guarantee, and helps the pest professional (exterminator) understand the homeowner’s expectations.
Q: Why do I need to have my home inspected before you can give me a price?
A: No two homes or pest problems are exactly alike and neither are their treatments. That’s why we thoroughly inspect your home – inside and outside. We then design a program customized for your situation.
Q: Does the interior of my home need to be treated?
A: No! Not every time. Most insects can be controlled by a good exterior pest service on a routine basis. Unfortunately, some insects don’t come from the outside or they have already established nests inside your home. In these cases some type of product will need to be used inside depending on the problem. Good news is, the product can be applied only where the problem is, eliminating unnecessary applications in non problem areas.
Q: Do I have to leave my house if the interior needs to be treated?
A: Usually not. However, during certain types of services such as fogging and flea and tick treatments, it’s better if all occupants leave the home for a period of time. Please consult our helpful and knowledgeable staff for specifications.
Q: How often should I have my house treated for pests?
A: Everybody has a different threshold of acceptance for pests. Some people feel that seeing a single insect (dead or alive) between services is too much. While on the other hand, some feel that a few insects between services are acceptable. Our knowledgeable staff will work with you to design a service to suit your particular needs. For most homes we recommend at least a quarterly service plan.
Q: How long will it take before I see results?
A: It depends on the pest and severity of infestation. Generally, you will see a reduction is pest activity immediately after our first visit, in some cases it may take several visits.
Q: If I don’t see any pests, can I skip a service call?
A: No. the reason you are not seeing pests is because you are part of a maintenance program. For us to maintain control, we must perform all of your services.
Q: What if it rains after my service?
A: All of the materials used in our pest management programs are designed for all weather conditions.
Q: Do you offer any “green” pest control options?
A: Yes! Our Perimeter Green division offers natural, chemical-free options and low-toxic solutions for the customer to choose from when developing an individual pest management program. The treatment plan of pest control measures designed to reduce or eliminate pests while minimizing customer concerns regarding chemicals may include repair or exclusion work, improvements in sanitation, interior/exterior baiting, harborage reduction, habitat modification, and alternative controls. Many of the options are eco-exempt and organic including granules, botanicals, clove oil, insecticidal soaps, and more.
Q: How are pests getting inside my house?
A: There are often many areas around the exterior of the home that can either be a pest attractant or an area conducive to pests. These may include vents, windows, eaves, debris around the home, landscaping issues, etc.
Q: How do I know if I have termites?
A: Unfortunately you usually don’t until it’s too late. Termites can enter your home & go unnoticed for quite some time. They don’t make noise when eating. So, most people find out when they discover damage inside the home or in the spring when they are greeted by hundreds of flying termites. You should have your home inspected annually regardless if it has been treated or not.
Q: How long do termite treatments last?
A: Most products used today can last for a few years and some don’t, it depends on the company and what they are using.
Q: So, if the termite products you use last for a few years then why should I pay for a termite warranty each year?
A: Although the products available to us for treating termites are usually successful in ridding your home of termites. It is important to understand that in real world applications the products may not last a few years. Clogged gutters, poor slope around the home, mulch being added every year, soil next to the home being removed, etc…These are all real world scenarios that affect termite treatments. So, keeping the warranty is important because, we can discover new potential threats and problems before they get out of hand.
Q: Do you handle wildlife humanely?
A: Yes! In most cases the animals can be chased from the home and the repair work can then be done to prevent re-entry. If traps are needed to remove an animal from the home we will explain the procedure to you during the service.
Q: Once the animals are removed what type of repairs should I expect?
A: We offer professional carpentry repair services. We use heavy gauge flashing or repair the damage to the home (i.e. wood trim repair, siding repair, roof repair, insulation replacement, etc…) We offer whole house exclusions as well as spot exclusions. All of our work comes with an unmatched guarantee.
Q: How do I know if I have mice?
A: You can tell if you have mice if you see small black droppings about the size of rice in different areas of your home.
Q: How do I know if I have rats?
A: The presence of rats can be detected by large droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing. Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces. Runways and burrows may be found next to buildings, along fences or railroad tracks, and under low vegetation and debris.
Q: How do you get rid of the mice/rats?
A: The two most commonly used methods are; rodent poisons or rodent kill traps.
Q: Do the rodents go outside looking for water and to die after eating the poison?
A: No! There has never been a rodent poison that causes the rodents to leave the premises looking for water or to die. The poison generally takes about 24 hrs. to affect the rodents, they usually die near their nest sites.
Q: So, if the rodents die inside does it stink?
A: Yes & No! With mice, unless there are many that die at once you usually do not notice an odor. Unfortunately with rats there is an odor because of their larger size. If odors become a problem we have a service that either removes the dead rodent or eliminates the odor.
Q: If my pet eats a rodent that has eaten the poison will they die?
A: The rodent bait we use has little to no secondary poisoning affects. The pet would have to consume many dead rodents all at once or over several days in order to be affected by the poison the rodents have eaten. In most homes or businesses there usually are not enough rodents to reach the needed amount a pet would have to eat & secondly the rodents do not usually die in the open.
Q: Are the poisons left out where my pets can get to them?
A: No! All baits/poisons are placed inside of secured tamper resistant rodent baiting boxes, eliminating any chances for exposure to non target animals.
Q: If my pet were to eat some of the bait/poison what should we do?
A: Again, your pets should not be able to come in contact with the bait/poison. However, if you’re pet ever appeared to eat some rodent poison, Immediately notify us and take the pet to the vet. Vitamin k1 is the antidote for the bait/poison we use.