When pests invade a home or commercial building, they threaten the health and safety of residents, customers or employees. They can contaminate food, cause asthma and allergies to flare up, damage the structure of buildings and devalue properties. Pest control services eliminate the threats that pests pose, such as termites, cockroaches and bed bugs in homes, or flies, rodents, ants and moths in commercial buildings.
Pest control professionals are trained to detect and identify the signs of pests so that they can take preventive action before a problem arises. This can save time, money and energy, as well as protect people and property from costly repairs that may be required due to structural damage caused by wood-destroying insects or by rodents that chew through wires and pipes.
Many homeowners consider pest control services a necessary part of maintaining their biggest lifetime investment, their home. Rodents like rats and mice are a common concern for home pest control, while roaches, flies, moths and spiders are common problems in restaurants, hotels, and other commercial facilities.
Before a pest control service begins work, it is helpful to ask for information about the company’s experience. The number of years in business and customer reviews can help determine a company’s level of expertise. Some pest control companies also offer free estimates for potential customers. These estimates can be an excellent way for a potential customer to find out how much a company’s services will cost without having to make a purchase.
Once a pest control company has determined the type of pest present, it can create a customized plan to address the issue. In some cases, a professional may recommend non-chemical methods of pest control, such as traps or baits. Chemical treatments should be used only when non-chemical measures have been unsuccessful in controlling a particular pest. A pest control company should always provide clients with copies of the pesticide labels that indicate how each product should be used, including application rates.
As an alternative to using harsh chemicals, pest control companies can use natural pesticides that are less harmful to humans and pets. These pesticides, such as chrysanthemums and diatomaceous earth, can be just as effective against pests as their chemical counterparts.
A pest control company can create a pest management plan that will include regular visits to the home or commercial facility. Some plans will be on a quarterly basis, while others will be bi-monthly or monthly. The price for these services will vary depending on the general location of the facility and whether it is within a pest control company’s service area or not. In addition, some companies will charge a travel fee for homes or businesses that are outside of the normal service area. These fees should be clearly outlined to the client in their estimate. When presenting the pest control price quote to a customer, it is helpful to give a description of the services and a breakdown of costs (labor and materials). This will help the client understand what they will receive in their service.