How Often Should You Get Pest Control?
Your Optimal Pest Control Calendar
Getting professional pest control services regularly is crucial for keeping bugs and critters out of your house. But how frequently should treatments be done? It depends on a few things like where you live, how old your home is, which pests are involved, and more. Preventative services every 3-6 months are best.
Typical Pest Control Frequency
| Common Pest | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ants | Every 3-6 months | More often if near woods/food |
| Cockroaches | Every 2-3 months | Require multiple treatments to control reproduction cycles |
| Spiders | Quarterly | Perimeter spray exterior entry points |
| Stinging Pests (Wasps, Hornets, Bees) | As needed in warmer months | Nest treatments or quarterly barrier spray |
| Occasional Invaders (crickets, centipedes) | As needed | Quarterly exterior spray provides protection |
| Rodents (Mice, Rats) | Monthly | High reproduction rate requires diligent baiting/trapping |
| Termites | Annually for monitoring, more for infestations | Swarming season usually Spring |
| Bed Bugs | Intensive initial treatment, repeat every 1-3 months until gone | Difficult to eliminate, multiple retreatments essential |
| Fleas & Ticks | As needed during warm seasons, monthly for high risk | Treat pets simultaneously |
| Pantry & Fabric Pests | As needed, eliminate food sources | Frequent deep cleaning also key |
| Wildlife (raccoons, opossums, squirrels) | As needed | Focus on exclusion and removing entry points into home |
Factors That Changes How Often You Need Pest Control
1. Location and Age of House
- Old houses or homes near wooded areas often get more pests. Spraying every 2-3 months is better.
- Brand new homes may only need yearly treatments if any.
2. Type of Pest
- Hard-to-kill pests like termites, roaches, bed bugs need stronger initial spray, then ongoing preventative treatments every 1-3 months.
- Occasional pests like spiders or ants can be handled with quarterly treatments.
3. How Bad the Infestation Is
- A big current infestation needs thorough start spray, then second spray 1-2 months later to kill newly hatched eggs/babies and prevent more bugs.
- Small spot issues can be treated as needed.
4. What Spray Method is Used
- Fast knockdown spray treatments might only temporarily work, needing repeat sprays.
- Longer-lasting spray, bait traps, or tent fumigation can provide protection for 3-6+ months.
General Tips
High Risk Houses
Homes with current bug issues, regular pest pressures, or easy entryways may need spray every 6-8 weeks to prevent new infestations. Talk to your exterminator about plans for your specific situation.
Season Changes
Some pests get worse during certain seasons. For instance, ants and stinging pests increase in summer while mice try to move inside in winter. Time treatments appropriately.
DIY vs Calling the Pros
Over-the-counter pest sprays alone often don’t last, needing repeat spraying. Getting on a regular professional extermination schedule is best for keeping pests away long-term.
FAQs
How often should I spray my home to control ants?
Indoors: Spraying every 3 to 6 months is usually enough to keep ant infestation under control. Combine spraying with removing sources of food and sealing cracks where ants enter.
Outdoors: Spray a barrier around your home’s exterior quarterly during warmer months when ants are most active.
What is the recommended frequency for spraying cockroaches?
You should plan on spraying for cockroaches every 3 months. Add growth regulator chemicals that prevent baby roaches from developing, and remove clutter and seal cracks that let them hide and breed. Frequent treatments keep roach numbers low.
How regularly should spiders be treated?
You usually don’t need to spray most occasional house spiders. If black widows or brown recluses occur frequently inside, talk to your pest professional about the safest methods and locations to target them for spider control inside the home. An outdoor barrier spray against spiders every 2 to 3 months during spring through summer may help reduce how many come inside.
What is the typical duration of effectiveness for professional pest control treatments?
Liquid spray treatments generally last 1 to 3 months. Insect growth regulators that prevent baby insects can last 3 to 7 months. Well-maintained bait stations give continuous control for half a year. Fumigation eliminates pests for 9+ months. Termite control liquids protect your home for 5 to 10 years.
About how long does a normal pest control service visit take?
The standard home pest service appointment takes 30 to 90 minutes, sometimes less for small preventative jobs. More extensive infestations or fumigations take longer.
What lengths of warranty do pest control companies usually offer?
Typical warranties run 1 year on termite jobs, 90 days on routine pest treatments, and up to 5 years on termite bait system installations. Contracted home services often extend an annual renewal guarantee.
Around how much does contracted pest control service cost?
Average per visit fees range from $80 to $150, with the higher end for big infestations, fumigation, or termite control. Contracted year-round preventative service is discounted, with exact pricing quotes following inspection of your unique situation.
Conclusion
Getting on a regular pest control schedule provides the best prevention against both occasional invaders and more persistent pests establishing themselves long-term.
Quarterly or bimonthly services ensure adequate protection while targeting treatments during seasons when specific pests pose higher risk.
Reach out to your professional pest controller for custom recommendations based on your property, location, and issues.
Pro Tip:
If you discover any unwanted pests that could lead to structural damage around moisture or water sources in your home, consult a pest control expert right away. Pests like termites or carpenter ants are attracted to damp wood and can severely compromise structural integrity over time if left untreated.
