Pest Control Questions Homeowners Ask

Answers to common questions

Is pest treatment safe for kids and pets?

It can be, if you ask the right questions first. Providers follow product label rules and local regulations. Ask what they plan to use, where it goes, and how long kids and pets should stay out of the area. Ask what to cover or put away. Get the answers in writing if you can. A solid provider explains it plainly and does not rush you.

How do I know if I have termites?

Look for the quiet signs. Mud tubes on foundation walls are one. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is another. You might also see discarded wings near windows after warm spells, or paint that bubbles for no clear reason. Check basement sills and stone or block foundations, where damp wood hides problems. If you spot any of this, get an inspection. Termites work slowly, but the repair bill grows the longer they stay. Spot it early.

What happens when a provider comes to look at the problem?

Expect a walk-through, inside and out. The provider checks entry points, signs of activity, and conditions that attract pests, like moisture or clutter. Then you get a written estimate that names the pest, the method, the number of visits, and the price. Ask what is covered if pests return. Compare two or three estimates side by side before you pick anything.

Can I get rid of mice with store-bought traps?

Sometimes, for one or two mice. Traps do little if mice keep getting in. Look for gaps near pipes, sill plates, and garage doors. Mice can slip through a hole the size of a dime. If you still see droppings after a couple of weeks, bring in a provider who can find and close the entry points.

How do I keep pests out of an older home?

Start with the gaps. Seal cracks in foundations, around pipes, and under doors. Fix leaks and run a dehumidifier in damp basements. Store firewood away from the house. Keep food in sealed containers. Trim branches that touch the roof. Do a quick walk-around each fall, before the cold pushes mice and insects indoors.

Can I treat bed bugs myself?

Rarely with good results. Bed bugs hide in seams, frames, outlets, and cracks, so sprays from the store often miss them and can scatter them. Washing on high heat helps, but it will not clear a whole home. Bed bug treatment usually goes more smoothly with a provider. Ask how many visits they expect and what prep you must do.

Is wildlife removal different from pest control?

Yes. Pest control deals with insects and small invaders like mice. Wildlife removal deals with larger animals, like squirrels, raccoons, or bats in an attic or crawl space. Rules for handling animals vary by state, and some seasons limit what is allowed. Ask any provider how they remove the animal and how they close the entry point.

How much does an exterminator cost?

It depends on the pest, the size of the home, and how bad things are. As a rough U.S. guide, a one-time general treatment often runs about $100 to $400. Termite work can run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Wildlife jobs vary widely. These are typical ranges only. Always get a written quote, and compare more than one.