If you find pests scurrying around your house, you’ll want to get rid of them as soon as possible. What are only a couple of bugs that can quickly multiply? Before you know it, those couple of bugs or rats become a full-on infestation. It’s better to catch the problem early on and call in a pest control specialist to get rid of the pests and make sure they don’t come back.
You may be wondering what the difference is between a pest control specialist and an exterminator. You also may be wondering what steps you can take to avoid an infestation entirely. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two forms of pest control, the Nationwide process, and how you can avoid pests in the future.
What is the Difference Between Pest Control and an Exterminator?
While pest control and extermination are often used interchangeably, there are a few key differences between the two.
While both pest control specialists and exterminators kill pests, their goals are a bit different. The role of an exterminator is to kill the pests. They also rely solely on pesticides to remove the pests. Pest control specialists, on the other hand, concentrate on the root of the problem. The goal of a pest control specialist is to not only kill the pests but make sure they don’t come back. The approach of a pest control specialist is a little more in-depth, and the methods used are more advanced than “spray and hope for the best.”
When you are looking to remove pests, you’ll want to hire pest control specialists like those employed by Nationwide Pest Control.
What is the Nationwide Pest Control Process?
The first step of pest control is contacting a pest control company. Once you reach out to Nationwide Pest Control, we’ll discuss the pest issue you are having. From there, we will dispatch a pest control specialist to survey the area and remove the pest problem. Finally, our specialists will ensure the pests don’t come back. This includes the use of yard granules and eaves.
If you don’t have a pest problem yet but would like to avoid one in the future, you can take advantage of our preventative services. We generally recommend at least quarterly, but every other month may be necessary to meet your specific needs.
For more information about the Nationwide Pest Control process, reach out today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.
How Long Does Pest Control Take?
The pest control process is generally pretty quick. Your pest control specialist may be in and out within around 30 minutes. With that said, other services are more complex and can take a longer period of time.
Once you notice an infestation, reach out to Nationwide Pest Control. The faster we are able to address the infestation, the less it will spread.
- Standard Treatment. For a standard pest control treatment of a property that is around 2,500 square feet, expect the process to take around 30 minutes or so.
- Active Infestation. If there is an active infestation that needs to be addressed, the pest control process may take around an hour or more.
- Termites. Termites are much more difficult to remove. In order to get rid of termites, it may take the better part of a day. Expect the process to take around 8 hours to complete, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the property.
Reach out to Nationwide Pest Control for more information.
Common Types of Pests (and How to Avoid Them)
In order to avoid the need for an exterminator or pest control specialist, there are some things that you can do. Below are some of the most common types of pests that you are likely to run into, and how to avoid these pests from getting into your home and spreading…
Rodents
Rodents are furry little creatures that scurry around your house and get into everything. The most common rodents that you are likely to experience are mice, roof rats, and Norway rats. No matter what kind of rodent has decided to move into your home, you’ll want to remove it as soon as possible. Rodents are known to carry diseases, and they also do damage to your home. They even chew through your wires!
In order to avoid rodents, consider the following tips:
- Put away food after you are done eating it. Don’t leave it on the counter.
- Take out your garbage often and don’t let it pile up.
- Close your doors and windows when you are done using them.
- Clean and vacuum your house often.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are gross. Not only are they unsightly, but they are also known to spread bacteria. Whether they are German, American, or Oriental, you’ll want to avoid a cockroach infestation in your home.
In order to ensure cockroaches don’t scurry around your surfaces, consider these tips:
- Ensure your basement stays dry.
- Check the outside of your house for cockroaches.
- Check packages that arrive before bringing them inside.
- Use weather-stripping around your doors and windows.
Spiders
Spiders are eight-legged critters that spin webs in the corners of your home. It’s no surprise that so many people are afraid of them. Not only do they look scary, but some forms of spiders are extremely dangerous. Their bite may land you in the hospital…
If you would like to avoid these crawling critters, consider doing the following:
- Close off gaps that lead to the outside of your house.
- Remove branches, debris, and rocks from your property.
- Get rid of spiderwebs when you see them.
- Keep your doors and windows closed when not using them.
- Replace ripped or torn window and door screens.
Mosquitoes
There’s nothing quite as annoying as having a bunch of mosquitoes buzzing around you. What’s worse is the silent ones that sneak up on you and bite—leaving itchy and annoying bumps on your skin. Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance but they can also be pretty dangerous. Mosquitoes are known worldwide for being spreaders of viruses and diseases. While you may not be as likely to get a disease from a single bite, you still want to limit your exposure to these blood-suckers.
To avoid mosquitoes on your property, consider these tips:
- Remove standing water from around your house.
- Fill in any holes in your yard—especially those with standing water.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Remove stumps and debris from your property.
- Turn any lids and containers outside upside down.
Termites/Carpenter Ants
Termites and carpenter ants are both known for the amount of damage that they can do to a property. Actually, these bugs are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage a year! If you notice termites or carpenter ants making their home in your walls, you need to address the issue immediately. The longer you allow them to live in your walls, the more they will grow in numbers and spread. This will lead to extremely costly repairs. You should hire a pest control specialist to remove termites or carpenter ants. Don’t try to do it on your own! Nationwide Pest Control has top specialists that are able to get rid of the termites or carpenter ants plaguing your house.
Bed Bugs
While bed bugs are small, they are extremely annoying to deal with. Bed bugs not only get on your bed, but they also move around your house and live on other pieces of furniture. From there, they bite and cause you to itch all over.
If you want to avoid bed bugs, here are a few things you can do:
- Wash your clothes when you get home from a vacation.
- Wash your clothing and sheets often.
- Make sure your home is cleaned and vacuumed regularly.
- Clean new clothing you bring home from the store.
- When possible, avoid buying used furniture.
Wasps/Hornets
Wasps and hornets are extremely mean. They are likely to attack if you get too close. Because of how dangerous they are, don’t try to handle a wasp or hornet nest yourself. Instead, contact Nationwide Pest Control. We’ll send an expert out to remove the nest and make sure the wasps or hornets don’t come back.
Ants
Ants come in large numbers. If you see a couple of ants, there are likely a lot more around. They also grow in numbers pretty quickly.
To avoid ants, take these tips into consideration:
- Use weather-stripping on your doors and windows.
- Repair damage to the exterior wall of your home.
- Get rid of branches and overgrown vegetation in your yard.
- Rinse food containers and cans out before throwing them away.
Get a Pest Control Specialist Today!
If you are looking for a pest control specialist to expertly remove pests from your home and ensure they don’t come back, contact Nationwide Pest Control today. We’d be happy to help you out with your pest control needs.
