Discovering a pest infestation is something no homeowner ever wants to come face to face with. Going from peacefully living your life to suddenly being confronted with a bothersome and downright disturbing pest situation can be jarring, time-consuming, and extremely expensive.
Unfortunately, the thick forests and mild climate of Northeast Pennsylvania make it really inviting for pests like termites, cockroaches, and ants. For many people, the cost of pest control may seem unnecessary, especially when there are so many DIY products available on the market.
However, as most homeowners have discovered, dealing with an ongoing cockroach or termite infestation can be impossible without professional assistance.
If you have never dealt with a pest infestation before, it’s understandable not to know anything about pest control. How much does it cost? How often should professional pest control be done? These are all valid questions that we’re here to answer for you!
Importance of Routine Pest Control
While pest control at any stage is beneficial, routine pest control will ensure you’re protected from pests year-round. The benefits include:
- Eliminating Existing Pests: Routine pest control in your home is imperative for eliminating existing infestations and preventing new ones from starting.
- Peace of Mind: While keeping your home clean and tidy is essential for reducing your chances of a pest infestation, having professional pest control services done will give you peace of mind that your home is pest-proofed.
- Cost Savings: Having routine pest control done can also save you tons of money on potential home repairs due to pests like termites. Plus, emergency pest control will always cost more than routine service.
- Maintains Health and Safety: Eliminating pests like rodents, mosquitoes, ants, and spiders reduces the risks of diseases transmitted by these pests.
Common Household Pests in NEPA
Not every pest is equal; some cause more damage than others and some carry diseases. Understanding what pests are common in the area is important in deciding whether or not routine pest control is worth it. Some of the most common household pests you may run into in your Northeast Pennsylvania home include:
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in NEPA, found in rural, suburban, and urban areas. The most common types of cockroaches found in this region are German, Oriental, and Pennsylvania Wood cockroaches. Cockroaches can spread diseases such as salmonella and can even trigger allergic reactions in some people.
- Ants: Ants are another common household pest found in NEPA. The types of ants found in homes in this region are typically not dangerous to humans or pets, but they can leave itchy bites and may trigger allergies in some homeowners. Carpenter ants can cause damage to wooden furniture, sheds, and rotting trees.
- Rodents: Rodents, such as mice and rats, are known for carrying a variety of diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. They may also chew through wires and destroy insulation.
- Spiders: While most house spiders are not dangerous to humans other than a possibly uncomfortable bite, the Black Widow is native to Pennsylvania and its bite can cause severe pain and muscle cramps. If you believe you have been bitten by a Black Widow, seek medical attention immediately.
- Termites: Termites are some of the most destructive household pests, costing homeowners billions of dollars in damage each year in the U.S. alone. Termites rarely bite humans, but their damage to the structure of your home can be devastating.
- Ladybugs: Ladybugs are another common household pest in NEPA, especially during the winter months when they seek shelter indoors. While ladybugs are harmless to humans and may even be seen as cute to some, you should still contact an exterminator if you notice a large amount of them in your home.
- Bed Bugs: Bed bugs frequently enter homes by latching onto luggage, used furniture, and clothing. Once inside, they will often multiply and can be difficult to detect due to their small size. Bed bugs can leave itchy bites and can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
How Often Should Pest Control Be Done?
Most professional exterminators recommend having pest control treatments done quarterly to maintain protection in your home. Services may include inspections, barrier sprays, setting up bait stations, and more.
However, more extreme infestations may require more frequent visits. Talk to your exterminator to determine how often your home will need to receive pest control services.
How Long Does Pest Control Last?
The duration of protection after pest control treatment depends on the specific type of service that was performed. Pest control protection can last anywhere from 30 days to several months, but only your exterminator will be able to give you a clear answer.
Do Organic Sprays Work as Well as Synthetic Ones?
Natural pest control sprays can work just as well, if not better, than some synthetic ones. However, it is impossible to generalize and say that all organic sprays work as well as less natural ones. An experienced exterminator will be able to walk you through your options and recommend what they think will be the most effective form of treatment for your unique situation.
How Much Does Preventative Pest Control Cost?
The cost of preventative pest control will vary depending on your unique situation and the exterminator you hire. On the low end, preventative pest control can cost as little as $50 per month for ongoing treatment. More expensive pest control companies may charge several hundred dollars per month for their preventative services.
If you’re working within a tight budget, it is important to call around to exterminators in your area to get different quotes before hiring someone. However, it is never a good idea to hire a less experienced exterminator just because they’re cheap. Getting rid of and preventing pests is a serious matter and will require a monthly investment to ensure your home stays pest-free.
Conducting routine pest control can save you money and give you peace of mind. If you’re looking at different options, give The Pest Rangers a call to find out more about our monthly pest control plans.
FAQs
Does the frequency of pest control depend on the type of pests in my area?
Yes, the frequency of the pest control treatment you receive will depend on the type of pests in your area. Since there are many factors that determine how often you’ll need pest control, such as the reproductive cycles and behaviors of different pests, there is no definite answer for your home’s pest control schedule.
Are quarterly pest control treatments sufficient for most homes?
For most homes, quarterly pest control treatments will be sufficient to prevent any pests from entering. For more severe infestations or for homes that are located in areas with a larger pest problem, more frequent visits may be required. Your exterminator will be able to let you know how often your home will require treatment based on your unique situation.
Can seasonal changes affect how often pest control is needed?
Yes, the change of seasons can affect how often pest control is needed in your home. Different pests are more active during different seasons due to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Different pests also have different reproductive cycles, so you may notice certain pests are more or less active throughout the year.
