FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I hire a professional pest control service when I can do it myself?
Do it yourself pest control is certainly an
option for some people, however, most people do not possess the knowledge and/or training that professionals have to effectively treat pest problems. The crucial element in treating a pest problem effectively is to correctly identify the
pest species and develop a course of treatment that takes the
pests biology and habits into account. It is also critical that the treatment materials used are handled properly to ensure effective treatment and environmental responsibility. Our pest
management professionals have the training and expertise to
prescribe the most effective solution to your pest problem.
If you do choose to handle your pest problem yourself,
you're welcome to call Pestech for product
and service advice. Be sure to follow all label directions carefully.
I have a pest problem, but I am not sure what the problem is. How can I find out what it is and how to get rid of it?
If you can't find the specific pest on
this Web site, call or e-mail us and we will respond to your question directly. For more comprehensive information, you may be interested in our
complimentary inspection - a Certified PestechnologistTM will inspect your home, identify the
pest, and recommend a method of treatment.
How do I know if the materials that a PestechnologistTM is using are safe?
First, make sure that any company you hire is reputable, licensed, and well-trained to ensure that they are knowledgeable and responsible in handling
pest control products. Pesticides, by nature, are designed to kill and therefore cannot be termed "safe." They can, however, be used responsibly with little or no impact on people, pets, or plants if they are used in accordance with labeled directions. If you have specific health concerns, ask your pest control operator for copies of the label, which contains information on the active ingredients, level of toxicity, and other information that you can discuss with your doctor.
Can the chemicals you use harm me?
The materials we use are dose related. They are applied
by highly trained pest management
professionals (PMP's) at a rate consistent
with the product labeling, to control
the target pest and applied to areas that
pests are likely to be located. The manufacturers of the chemicals have
defined doses that are appropriate
for use around homes, schools, hospitals
etc., yet are still able to control
the target pest. If you have a health-related concern, please consult your physician.
I had a swarm of what I think are flying ants in my home, and a friend told me that they might be termites. How can I tell the difference?
Termites are often confused with ants; however, a few simple things distinguish the two. Termite swarmers have a broad waist and straight antennae, and both wings are the same size. Ants have a thin, pinched waist and elbowed antennae, and their hind wings are smaller than the front wings.
I am surprised that Pestech® takes so much time to educate people about
pests when their business is to get rid of them. Why do you make the effort to educate people about
pests?
Over the many decades that we have been in business, we have learned quite a lot about
pests and have developed a strong respect for them. Of the thousands of species in the insect world, our role is actually pretty limited. In fact, less than one percent of all insect species pose a threat to homeowners and require our expertise. We know that they play an important role in our ecosystem, and we are committed to educating others about the benefits, as well as harmful effects of
pests.
Something is biting me and / or members of my family. What can I do?
First of all, the insect that is biting you should be located and given to your pest management professional (PMP) for identification. There are different protocols for treatment depending on a proper insect identification. Possible insects that may be biting you are:
- Bed Bugs - check your mattress, they hide by day and bite by night.
- Fleas - check your pets to make sure they do not have fleas crawling on them.
- Mosquitoes - these are primarily found outdoors, but may fly inside while doors or windows are open.
- Chinch bugs - these insects are located in turf.
- Ants - ants can be found inside or outside.
Another possibility is that your skin may be drying out because of the weather. When this occurs, it often feels like tiny pricks, or that an
insect is biting you.
I hear noises in my attic/wall void. What is causing them?
Noises could be caused by many pests
such as roof rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, cats or insects.
First we recommend that either you or a
PMP from Pestech positively identify the
pest involved. Second, a pest plan needs
to be devised to address the particular
pest problem based on the pests biology.
With nuisance wildlife such as
squirrels, bats, raccoons etc. the pest
must be vacated from the structure and then
the structure needs to be sealed
eliminating the pests ability to
re-enter. Remember, any area larger then a dime must be sealed since mice,
bats etc. can fit into very small areas.
Excluding pests from any given structure
is best left to the professionals at
Pestech.
I have flying insects in my house. What are they?
Based on environmental conditions, flying insects could be:
- swarming ants or termites - both have mating swarms where numerous reproductive insects leave the original nest to mate and then find a new nest.
- house fly, fruit fly or fungus
gnats - For flies, it is very important to find the source of infestation. Until you get rid of the breeding site, the adult flies you see in your home will continue to be a problem.
- Pantry
Pests- The
most common insects infesting food
in the home are either moths or
beetles such as the Indian Meal
Moth.
Will the bees and wasps found in and around my home sting me?
There are numerous types of insects that can sting you if provoked. Paper wasps, mud daubers, hornets or honey bees. All of these insects might sting you if you disturb their nest, or if they feel that you are a threat. Some are more aggressive than others, and will take less provocation.
Extreme caution must be taken around any
stinging insect due to the threat of
having an allergic reaction which can
cause a life threatening condition.
What about spiders?
Virtually all spiders have poison glands
that connect with the fangs. Most
species do not attempt to bite; many
have fangs that are not capable of
piercing the skin. However, some will,
with results that are similar to a wasp
or bee sting. There is the chance that a
person can have an allergic reaction to
the venom. Only a few species, such as
the black widow and the brown recluse,
have venom that is very toxic or harmful
to humans.
I have ants trailing in my house. What do I do?
There are a variety of ants that you may find in your home - Pharaoh
ants, Little
black ants, Acrobat
ants, Thief
ants or Carpenter
ants to name a few. You might need to collect some of the ants to have
a Certified PestechnologistTM identify the species, in order to treat the problem correctly. You can collect ants by scooping them into a jar or plastic
container or you can stick them onto tape.
Contact us today to schedule a
convenient service appointment to remedy
your current ant infestation.
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