How Often Do You Need Home Pest Control?

Your Guide to Pest control Frequency

Pests. We all hate dealing with them, right? Those pesky ants invade your kitchen. Cockroaches creep around your bathroom. Mice scurry through the walls. Spiders leave sticky webs everywhere. It never seems to end! How often would you need to treat this problem for it to subside?

As annoying and gross as pests can be, it’s important to remember they serve a purpose in nature. But in your home, they’re just unwelcome guests. Getting rid of them quickly and safely through pest control helps keep your family healthy and home pest-free.

If you’re wondering, “What is the best frequency of pest control?” – you’re not alone. Many homeowners have the same question. The answer depends on several factors, which we’ll explore here. We’ll also provide tips to help keep pests at bay between professional treatments.

Frequency Table

Here is a quick reference for aproximate timelines – depending on the type of pest:

How Often Should You Get Pest Control?

The general guideline is to get your home professionally treated every 3 months.

Quarterly preventative pest treatment helps ensure a comprehensive treatment that covers both the inside and outside of your property.

However, the ideal frequency really depends on things like:

• Location – Homes in heavily wooded areas or near water may need more frequent visits. Pests thrive in these environments.
• Age of home – Older homes with more access points are more vulnerable to pests. More frequent treatments may be needed.
• Types of pests – Certain pests like termites and bed bugs may warrant more than quarterly treatments to fully eliminate an infestation.
• Time of year – Some pests are seasonal. For example, stink bugs in the fall and ants in the spring. You may need additional treatments during peak seasons.
• Previous issues – If your home has a history of pest problems, a preventative maintenance schedule is recommended.

Quarterly treatments are the standard recommenation for common pests in a typical house. But your pest control expert can recommend the ideal schedule for your individual needs. So if you are troubled by a pest issue, call a pro to inspect your home.

Factors That Influence Pest Control Frequency

Let’s explore the main factors that determine how often you should get a pest control service:

Location and Age of Your Property

Like mentioned above, location and age of your home play a role.

Older homes tend to have more access points like cracks and crevices for pests to enter. Homes near wooded areas or standing water can attract certain pests. Your pest technician will thoroughly inspect your property inside and out to identify vulnerabilities. This helps determine the optimal treatment schedule.

Type of Pests

Different pests require different treatment methods and schedules.

For example, a minor ant problem may be resolved with quarterly maintenance. But a bed bug infestation likely requires multiple treatments over several weeks to fully eliminate.

Be sure to communicate what type of pest activity you’re trying to control so your exterminator can recommend the best plan.

Size of Infestation

A small mouse family taking up residence may only require a one-time treatment. But a large-scale termite infestation could need 3-4 treatments over several months to eradicate.

When calling for service, give as much detail about the size and scope of your pest issue. The number of pests involved impacts how often treatment is needed.

Treatment Method

There are many treatment methods available today:

• Liquid spray pesticides
• Dusts, powders and granules
• Baits and traps
• Fumigation (tenting)
• Heat treatments
• Fogging

Your exterminator chooses products and methods specifically for your pest problem and home. More intensive methods like fumigation and heat treatment eradicate pests in one treatment. While other methods require multiple regular applications.

Seasonality

Many pests are seasonal. For example:

• Fleas and ticks – Most prevalent in spring and summer
• Stink bugs – Most noticeable in autumn
• Ants – Forage indoors more often in late winter/early spring
• Pantry pests – Look for food when temps drop in fall
• Cluster flies – Try to enter homes in fall/winter

Depending on seasonality of pests in your region, you may need additional treatments at certain times of year.

General Tips to Prevent Pests Between Treatments

While professional treatments get rid of pests, keeping them away still takes vigilance. Here are some tips to stay pest-free between visits:

• Keep your property free of debris and overgrown vegetation. Don’t give pests places to hide and breed.
• Routinely clean up crumbs and spills. Don’t give pests an inviting food source.
• Take the trash out frequently and keep bin areas clean.
• Seal any cracks and crevices on the interior and exterior of your home.
• Fix leaky pipes and water damage.
• De-clutter crawlspaces, basements and garages.
• If pests return between treatments, call your pest professional. It likely means additional treatment is required.

Can’t I Just Use Over-the-Counter Products Myself?

You can certainly buy many DIY products these days. But professional pest control is still highly recommended for several reasons:

1. Expert identification – A pest pro can identify exactly what pests you have and the best way to eliminate them.

2. Proper application – They use specialized equipment and the right amount of product to treat properly and safely. It’s easy for homeowners to over-apply or use the wrong products.

3. Thorough treatment – Professionals treat both inside and outside the home, including difficult-to-reach areas homeowners often miss.

4. Latest products and tech – They have access to the most advanced methods and products for maximum effectiveness.

5. Peace of mind – A reputable pest control company provides warranties and guarantees for their work. DIY treatments offer no assurances.

So while DIY products have their place for maintenance, hiring a professional is highly recommended for optimal results.

FAQ’s

How often should I get sprayed for ants?

For minor ant issues, quarterly professional treatments are usually sufficient. Heavy infestations may need monthly treatments until resolved.

How often should I spray for cockroaches? Treatments every 3 months are recommended for preventing roaches. Fully eliminating an existing roach population may take 2-3 monthly treatments.

How often do I need to treat spiders? Spider treatments are only needed when you notice an excessive amount. Their appearance typically aligns with seasonal changes.

How long does pest control last? Depending on the products used and type of pests, treatment effectiveness typically lasts 3-6 months.

How much does pest treatment cost? The average cost of pest control treatment is $150-$400 depending on the size of your home. Additional treatments for infestations run higher.

How long are warranties offered by pest control companies? Most pest controllers offer 30-90 day warranties on their work. This guarantees they’ll come retreat if pests return free of charge during that window.

Conclusion

Pest problems don’t have to overwhelm you. A reputable pest management professional can expertly assess your situation and recommend the ideal plan. With the right prevention and control schedule, you can keep pests from ruining your home living experience. Still in doubt? Contact your local professional pest control service to get rid of those pests before they get OUT OF CONTROL.