Top Pest Control Frequently Asked Questions

Pest control refers to the management and regulation of insects, animals, or other organisms that are considered to be pests. Pest control can be used to protect crops, food, and other resources, as well as to protect human health and safety. Pest control techniques can include physical methods (such as trapping, barriers, and exclusion), biological methods (such as introducing predators to control pests), and chemical methods (such as pesticides).

There are two main types of pest control: chemical and non-chemical. Chemical pest control uses pesticides to eliminate pests, while non-chemical pest control uses techniques such as exclusion, habitat modification, and physical removal to keep pests away.

The goal of pest control is to eliminate or reduce pest populations to a level that does not cause economic, aesthetic, or health problems. Pest control can be carried out by individuals, or by professional pest control companies. In case of a serious infestation, it is usually recommended to hire professional help.

There are several signs that can indicate a pest problem in your home or property. Some common indicators include:

• Seeing live or dead pests in your home or on your property
• Finding droppings or evidence of nesting, such as shredded material or holes in walls or floors
• Noticing damage to your property, such as chewed wood or holes in clothing or food packaging
• Seeing small piles of sawdust near wood surfaces can be a sign of carpenter ant or termite activity
• Finding bites or other signs of infestation on your body

If you suspect you have a pest problem, it is best to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection and treatment.

There are several steps you can take to prevent pests from entering your home:

1. Seal up entry points: Inspect the exterior of your home and seal up any cracks or gaps that pests could use to enter, such as those around windows, doors, and pipes.
2. Keep a clean home: Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen and food storage areas, to eliminate any potential food sources for pests.
3. Store food properly: Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly to prevent pests from being attracted to your home.
4. Keep the outside clean: Keep the outside of your home clean by removing any piles of debris, such as leaves or wood, which can provide shelter for pests.
5. Use screens on windows and doors: Use screens on windows and doors to keep flying insects from entering your home.
6. Use natural repellents: Use natural pest repellents such as mint, bay leaves, and cloves to keep pests away.
7. Check what you bring inside: Be mindful of what you bring inside your home, especially used furniture or second-hand items as these can be a source of pests.
8. Professional pest control: Consider scheduling regular pest control services to prevent pests from entering your home and to take care of any current pest issues.

The Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada has a diverse range of pests that can be found in households. Some common household pests found in the Fraser Valley include:

1. Ants: Ants can be a common problem in households, especially during the warmer months. They are attracted to food scraps and can quickly infest a home if left unchecked.
2. Cockroaches: Cockroaches are a common household pest that can be found in the Fraser Valley. They thrive in warm, damp environments and can be difficult to control once they have established a colony.
3. Spiders: Spiders are common household pests found in the Fraser Valley. They are mostly harmless but can be a nuisance and some species can be venomous.
4. Rodents: Rodents such as mice and rats can be a common problem in households. They can cause damage to property and spread diseases.
5. Wasps and hornets: Wasps and hornets can be a problem during the summer months. They can build nests around the house and can become aggressive when disturbed.
6. Bed bugs: Bed bugs are becoming a common problem in households in the Fraser Valley. They can be difficult to detect and control once they have infested a home.
7. Termites: Termites can be a serious problem in the Fraser Valley, they can cause structural damage to your home if left unchecked.

It’s important to note that it’s not always possible to prevent pests from entering your home, and early detection and professional pest control services can help to effectively deal with any pest problems that arise.

Yes, there are several non-toxic pest control methods that can be used to effectively control pests in your home without the use of harmful chemicals. Some non-toxic pest control methods include:

1. Physical barriers: This includes sealing cracks and crevices in your home to prevent pests from entering, and using screens on windows and doors to keep flying insects out.
2. Traps: Traps can be used to capture pests and remove them from your home. Different types of traps are available for different types of pests, such as glue traps for rodents and sticky traps for flying insects.
3. Natural repellents: Certain plants and essential oils can be used as natural repellents for pests. For example, peppermint oil can be used to repel ants and spiders, and bay leaves can be used to repel cockroaches.
4. Beneficial insects: Some insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be used to control pests in your garden and around your home.
5. Biological control: This method uses natural predators or pathogens to control pests. For example, nematodes can be used to control grubs and other pests in the soil.
6. Sanitation: Keeping a clean home and removing food scraps can go a long way in preventing pests from entering your home, and eliminating potential food sources for pests already in your house.

It’s important to note that while these methods can be effective, they may not work for all types of pests or in all situations. It’s best to consult with a professional pest control service to determine the best approach for your specific pest problem.

When choosing a pest control company, there are several factors to consider:

1. Experience: Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has a track record of successfully controlling pests in homes and businesses.
2. Licensing and certification: Make sure the company is licensed by the appropriate state or local agency and that their technicians are certified to apply pesticides.
3. Insurance: Ensure that the company carries liability insurance to protect you in case of any accidental damage to your property during the pest control process.
4. Services offered: Consider the types of pests the company specializes in controlling, and whether they offer the specific services you need.
5. Methods used: Some companies use more eco-friendly methods, such as non-toxic pest control methods, and ask about the methods and products they use, and their safety and effectiveness.
6. Reputation: Check the company’s reputation by reading customer reviews and testimonials. Ask for references, and follow up to see if they were satisfied with the service they received.
7. Cost: Get cost estimates from several companies, but don’t make your decision solely based on cost. Be sure to also consider the company’s experience, reputation, and methods used.
8. Communication: Choose a company that is responsive to your questions, concerns, and needs. A good pest control company will take the time to understand your situation and provide clear explanations of the steps they will take to resolve your pest problem.

By considering these factors, you will be better equipped to choose a pest control company that is best suited to meet your needs and provide effective, safe, and efficient service.

The frequency of pest control services depends on various factors such as the type of pests, the severity of the infestation, and the level of prevention you want to maintain. Some general guidelines to follow are:

1. For ongoing infestations: If you have an ongoing infestation, such as with cockroaches or ants, a monthly service may be necessary until the problem is under control.
2. For seasonal pests: For pests that are active only during certain seasons, such as wasps or stink bugs, service can be scheduled on a seasonal basis.
3. For preventative measures: If you want to maintain a pest-free home, you can schedule regular preventative service on a quarterly or bi-annual basis.
4. For specific situations: For specific situations such as post-construction, moving into a new home or after a severe infestation, one-time service may be sufficient.

It’s important to note that every home and situation is different and that the best frequency of service will depend on the specific needs of your home and your level of comfort. It’s recommended to consult with a professional pest control service provider to determine the best schedule for your home.

Pest control services can effectively eliminate or significantly reduce the number of pests in your home, but it’s important to understand that complete elimination of all pests may not always be possible.

The success of a pest control treatment depends on several factors such as the type of pests, the severity of the infestation, and the methods used. Pest control companies use a variety of methods such as baiting, trapping, and chemical treatments to eliminate pests, but these methods may not always be 100% effective.

For example, if pests have been living in your home for a long time, it may take multiple treatments to completely eliminate them. Furthermore, pests can also come from outside, so it’s important to take preventative measures to reduce the chance of them entering your home again.

It’s also important to note that pests can develop resistance to certain chemical treatments over time, so it’s important to keep up with the industry’s best practices and advancements, thus choosing a reputable company that offers integrated pest management (IPM) approach is recommended.

IPM is a holistic approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of a pest problem and not just treating the symptoms. It involves a combination of techniques such as exclusion, sanitation, habitat modification, monitoring, and pest-specific treatment.

In summary, while pest control services can effectively eliminate or reduce the number of pests in your home, complete elimination may not always be possible. It’s important to work with a reputable pest control company and take a proactive approach to maintaining a pest-free home.

Pest control treatments can be safe for your family and pets when they are applied by a professional and according to the label instructions. However, it’s important to understand that the safety of a pest control treatment depends on the type of treatment used, the method of application, and the precautions taken.

Chemical pesticides are the most common method of pest control, and when used properly, they can be safe for your family and pets. However, it’s important to follow the label instructions and any precautions advised by the pest control company to minimize exposure.

For example, it’s recommended to vacate the treated area and keep children and pets away until the treatment has dried or the recommended time has passed. It’s also important to keep the pesticide in its original container and out of the reach of children and pets.

Non-toxic pest control methods such as physical barriers, traps, and natural repellents are generally considered safe for your family and pets.

It’s important to let the pest control company know if you have pets or children at home, or if anyone in your household has any health concerns, so they can take the necessary precautions and use the appropriate methods for your situation.

Additionally, it’s important to be informed about the pest control methods and products that will be used in your home and to ask about the safety of these methods and products. A reputable pest control company will be willing to answer your questions and provide you with the necessary information about their methods and products.

In summary, pest control treatments can be safe for your family and pets when they are applied by a professional and according to the label instructions. It’s important to follow the precautions advised by the pest control company and be informed about the methods and products used in your home.

To maintain the effects of pest control treatments, it’s important to take a proactive approach to pest management and to continue with certain preventative measures:

1. Keep your home clean: Regularly cleaning your home, especially the kitchen and food storage areas, can help to eliminate potential food sources for pests, which can attract them back to your home.
2. Store food properly: Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly to prevent pests from being attracted to your home.
3. Seal entry points: Inspect the exterior of your home and seal up any cracks or gaps that pests could use to enter, such as those around windows, doors, and pipes.
4. Keep the outside clean: Keep the outside of your home clean by removing any piles of debris, such as leaves or wood, which can provide shelter for pests.
5. Use screens on windows and doors: Use screens on windows and doors to keep flying insects from entering your home.
6. Use natural repellents: Use natural pest repellents such as mint, bay leaves, and cloves to keep pests away.
7. Check what you bring inside: Be mindful of what you bring inside your home, especially used furniture or second-hand items as these can be a source of pests.
8. Schedule regular pest control service: Schedule regular pest control services to prevent pests from entering your home and to take care of any current pest issues.

It’s important to keep in mind that pests can re-enter your home from outside, so it’s important to keep up with preventative measures and regular pest control services to ensure that your home stays free of pests. A good pest control company will also provide guidance on how to maintain the effects of the treatment and prevent future infestations.

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and professional help, it can be done. Some steps to get rid of bed bugs include:

1. Identification: The first step is to accurately identify the pest as a bed bug, as there are other pests that may be mistaken for bed bugs.
2. Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the infested areas, including all bedrooms, living rooms, closets, and other areas where people spend a lot of time.
3. Preparing for treatment: Before treatment, it’s important to prepare the infested areas by removing clutter, vacuuming, and washing all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water.
4. Chemical treatment: Chemical treatment is the most common method for bed bug control. Pest control professionals use pesticides that are specifically formulated to kill bed bugs. They may use a combination of sprays, dusts, and/or baits to eliminate the infestation.
5. Heat treatment: This method involves heating the infested area to high temperatures, which can effectively kill all life stages of bed bugs. This method can be more effective than chemical treatments, but it requires special equipment and professional service.
6. Cryonite treatment: Cryonite is a non-toxic treatment that kills bed bugs by freezing them with liquid carbon dioxide.
7. Follow-up: After treatment, it’s important to schedule follow-up inspections to ensure that all bed bugs have been eliminated. Pest control professionals will usually perform follow-up inspections every 2-4 weeks until the infestation is completely eliminated.

It’s important to note that bed bugs can be challenging to get rid of, and they can quickly re-infest a home if preventative measures are not taken. It’s best to contact a professional pest control service for a bed bug infestation. They have the experience, equipment, and chemicals necessary to effectively eliminate the infestation and provide guidance on how to prevent future infestations.

Getting rid of ants can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Identification: The first step is to identify the type of ant you are dealing with, as different species of ants have different habits and nesting sites.
2. Sanitation: Keeping your home clean and free of food scraps is important to eliminate potential food sources for ants.
3. Eliminating entry points: Inspect your home for cracks or gaps that ants could use to enter, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.
4. Using baits: Baits are an effective way to control ants as they can be used to eliminate the colony by targeting the queen ant.
5. Using pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill ants, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of ant you have.
6. Natural repellents: Certain plants and essential oils can be used as natural repellents for ants, such as peppermint oil, cloves, and bay leaves.
7. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the nest, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.

It’s important to note that it’s not always possible to prevent ants from entering your home, and early detection and professional pest control services can help to effectively deal with any ant problems that arise. A good pest control company will also provide guidance on how to maintain the effects of the treatment and prevent future infestations.

Getting rid of cockroaches can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and professional help, it can be done. Some steps to get rid of cockroaches include:

1. Identification: The first step is to accurately identify the pest as cockroaches, as there are other pests that may be mistaken for cockroaches.
2. Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the infested areas, including all bedrooms, living rooms, closets, and other areas where cockroaches are commonly found.
3. Sanitation: Keeping your home clean and free of food scraps is important to eliminate potential food sources for cockroaches.
4. Eliminating entry points: Inspect your home for cracks or gaps that cockroaches could use to enter, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.
5. Bait stations: Bait stations can be used to control cockroaches, by attracting them with a food source and then killing them with poison.
6. Pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill cockroaches, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of cockroaches you have.
7. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the nest, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
8. Follow-up: After treatment, it’s important to schedule follow-up inspections to ensure that all cockroaches have been eliminated. Pest control professionals will usually perform follow-up inspections every 2-4 weeks until the infestation is completely eliminated.

It’s important to note that cockroaches can be challenging to get rid of, and they can quickly

Getting rid of termites can be a complex process, and it’s best to seek the help of a professional pest control service. Some steps to get rid of termites include:

1. Identification: The first step is to accurately identify the pest as termites, as there are other pests that may be mistaken for termites.
2. Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the infested areas, including the foundation, crawl spaces, and any wooden structures in your home.
3. Eliminating the colony: The goal of termite treatment is to eliminate the colony, which is typically located in the ground. This can be done through the use of pesticides or baits that are specifically formulated to kill termites.
4. Chemical treatment: Chemical treatments involve applying a liquid pesticide to the soil around the foundation of your home. This creates a barrier that prevents termites from entering your home.
5. Baiting systems: Baiting systems are an effective way to control termites as they can be used to eliminate the colony by targeting the queen termite.
6. Physical barriers: Physical barriers can be used to prevent termites from entering your home, such as installing a termite shield or creating a barrier around your home with a chemical treatment.
7. Wood replacement: If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to remove and replace infested wood.
8. Professional help:

Getting rid of rodents can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Identification: The first step is to accurately identify the type of rodent you are dealing with, as different species of rodents have different habits and nesting sites.
2. Sanitation: Keeping your home clean and free of food scraps is important to eliminate potential food sources for rodents.
3. Eliminating entry points: Inspect your home for cracks or gaps that rodents could use to enter, and seal them up with steel wool, caulk, or weatherstripping.
4. Traps: Traps can be used to capture and remove rodents from your home. Different types of traps are available for different types of rodents, such as snap traps, live traps, and glue traps.
5. Pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill rodents, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of rodent you have.
6. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the nest, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
7. Follow-up: After treatment, it’s important to schedule follow-up inspections to ensure that all rodents have been eliminated. Pest control professionals will usually perform follow-up inspections every 2-4 weeks until the infestation is completely eliminated.

It’s important to note that rodents can be challenging to get rid of, and they can quickly re-infest a home if

Getting rid of wasps can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Identification: The first step is to accurately identify the type of wasp you are dealing with, as different species of wasps have different habits and nesting sites.
2. Eliminating nesting sites: Wasps typically build their nests in sheltered areas such as eaves, attics, and wall cavities. If you can locate the nest, it can be removed by a professional.
3. Traps: Traps can be used to capture and remove wasps from your home. There are different types of traps available, such as baited traps, sticky traps, and wasp traps.
4. Pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill wasps, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of wasp you have.
5. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the nest, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
6. Preventing Future Infestation: To prevent future infestation, it’s important to seal any cracks or gaps in your home and keep food and garbage covered and stored properly.
7. Avoiding them: Wasp are attracted to sweet smells and bright colors, so it’s a good idea to avoid using perfumes and lotions that have sweet or floral scents and also wearing bright colored clothes.

It’s important to remember that it’s best to

Getting rid of mosquitoes can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Eliminating breeding sites: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of standing water around your home, such as old tires, bird baths, and gutters.
2. Using repellents: Repellents can be used to keep mosquitoes away from your skin. There are several types of repellents available, such as those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Using traps: Traps can be used to capture and kill mosquitoes. Different types of traps are available, such as mosquito magnets, which use CO2 to attract mosquitoes, and then suck them into a net.
4. Using pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill mosquitoes, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of mosquito you have.
5. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the breeding sites, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
6. Prevention: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, staying indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and using screens on windows and doors can also help to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

It’s important to note that mosquitoes can be difficult to get rid of completely, and it’s best to take a proactive approach to prevent them from breeding and entering your home.

Getting rid of fleas can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Treating pets: If your pets have fleas, they should be treated with a flea control product recommended by a veterinarian. This will kill the fleas on your pets and prevent them from re-infesting your home.
2. Vacuuming: Vacuuming your home regularly, especially carpets and upholstered furniture, will help to remove fleas and their eggs from your home.
3. Laundry: Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water to kill any fleas or eggs that may be present.
4. Using pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill fleas, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of flea you have. Pesticides can be applied to carpets, flooring, and other surfaces where fleas are active.
5. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the breeding sites, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
6. Prevention: Keeping your home and yard free of debris, such as piles of leaves or grass clippings, can help to prevent fleas from breeding in your yard and entering your home.
7. Flea combs: Flea combs can be used to remove fleas and their eggs from your pets’ fur.

It’s important to note that fleas can be difficult to get rid of completely, and it’s best to take a proactive approach to prevent them from breeding and entering your home. It’s also important to treat your pets and your home simultaneously to effectively eliminate the infestation.

Getting rid of ticks can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Treating pets: If your pets have ticks, they should be treated with a tick control product recommended by a veterinarian. This will kill the ticks on your pets and prevent them from re-infesting your home.
2. Keeping your yard clean: Ticks thrive in tall grass and leaf litter, so keeping your yard clean and mowed can help reduce tick populations.
3. Using pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill ticks, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of tick you have. Pesticides can be applied to your yard, to the perimeter of your home and to any outdoor furniture.
4. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the breeding sites, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
5. Tick checks: It’s important to check yourself, your pets and your children for ticks after spending time outdoors. Ticks can be found in hard-to-see areas such as the scalp, armpits, and groin.
6. Prevention: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, staying on well-maintained trails, and using repellents with DEET can also help to prevent ticks from biting you.
7. Tumble dry: You can put your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be on them.

It’s important to note that ticks can be difficult to get rid of completely, and it’s best to take a proactive approach to prevent them from breeding and entering your home. It’s also important to treat your pets and your home simultaneously to effectively eliminate the infestation.

Getting rid of silverfish can be done through a combination of methods such as:

1. Sanitation: Keeping your home clean and free of food scraps is important to eliminate potential food sources for silverfish.
2. Eliminating entry points: Inspect your home for cracks or gaps that silverfish could use to enter, and seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping.
3. Removing moisture: Silverfish thrive in humid environments, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of moisture in your home, such as leaks or high humidity.
4. Using pesticides: Pesticides can be used to kill silverfish, but they are not always necessary, and it’s important to use the right kind of pesticides for the specific species of silverfish you have.
5. Professional help: If the infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the breeding sites, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control service.
6. Removing clutter: Silverfish like to hide in dark, damp places, so it’s important to remove any clutter and items that are not frequently used from your home.
7. Natural repellents: Certain plants and essential oils can be used as natural repellents for silverfish, such as cedar, lavender, and bay leaves.

It’s important to note that silverfish can be challenging to get rid of, and they can quickly re-infest a home if preventative measures are not taken. It’s best to contact a professional pest control service for a silverfish infestation. They have the experience, equipment, and chemicals necessary to effectively eliminate the infestation and provide guidance on how to prevent future infestations.

The Bugman Pest Control deals with a wide range of pests. These include ants, bed bugs, bees, wasps, beetles, rodents, spiders, termites, and more.

The signs of a pest infestation can vary depending on the type of pest. Some common signs include droppings, gnaw marks, chewed wires, holes in walls or flooring, foul odors, visible pests, and nests or webs.

There are many ways to prevent a pest infestation, including keeping your property clean and free of clutter, sealing cracks and gaps in walls and floors, storing food properly, eliminating standing water, and keeping your landscaping well-maintained.

Pests can pose a number of dangers to your health and property. For example, rodents can carry diseases and cause damage to wiring and insulation, while termites can cause structural damage to buildings.

The Bugman Pest Control offers a range of pest control services, including baiting, trapping, and spraying. The specific method used will depend on the type of pest and the severity of the infestation.

The Bugman Pest Control uses a range of methods for pest control, including integrated pest management (IPM), which involves identifying the source of the problem and using a combination of methods to control pests, such as chemical treatments, traps, and exclusion methods.

The frequency of pest inspections will depend on a number of factors, including the type of property, the level of risk, and the history of pest problems. The Bugman Pest Control recommends regular inspections to catch potential problems early.

There are a number of natural ways to prevent or get rid of pests, including using essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and vinegar. Additionally, maintaining a clean and clutter-free home or business can help prevent pests from taking up residence.

If you see a pest in your home or business, it’s important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.

The cost of pest control services can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and the size of the property. The Bugman Pest Control offers free estimates and competitive pricing.