When most people think of an exterminator, they imagine a guy with a spray can in his hand going through their house killing every pest he sees. While this is sometimes true, the job involves a lot more than just the act of killing the insects or rodents. Pest control professionals identify the source of the problem, come up with preventive techniques and solutions to keep pests away from houses, and help their clients find permanent fixes to their pest problems.
Exterminators use a variety of chemicals, including insecticides and baits. These are often harsh substances that can damage the environment, human beings especially kids and pets and property. Because of this, they are regulated by local, state and federal laws regarding their use and disposal. Exterminators also need to understand the properties of these chemicals, how they work and how to use them safely and effectively.
Some companies focus on organic pest control methods that don’t involve the use of toxic chemicals, while others specialize in more traditional treatments like fumigation or baiting. These companies are typically regulated by environmental agencies to ensure that their practices are safe and effective for their customers.
It is important to choose a company that has a good reputation and a track record of success in the field of your pest problem. Some of the top-rated pest control companies include Orkin, Rentokil and Terminix. The best way to find a reputable pest control company is to read third-party reviews, such as those found on Google Reviews and Yelp. You should also ask potential pest control providers to provide a free inspection and estimate and explain their cancellation and refund policy.
Pest control specialists identify the source of the pest infestation and use a combination of preventive strategies to keep the bugs or rodents away from homes. They may recommend certain home improvement projects, such as installing weather stripping or caulking, to make your property less attractive to pests and easier to live in. They might also suggest removing food from counters and floors where pests tend to gather.
A professional pest control company will treat a home for multiple types of pests, from termites to ants and mice. The company should be licensed and insured, and its technicians should have a thorough understanding of how to eradicate different types of pests from a home.
If you have a major infestation of cockroaches, ants or rodents that you can’t get rid of on your own, an exterminator should be able to eradicate the pests quickly and completely. But remember that an Exterminator services are only a temporary fix to your pest problem and that the pests will most likely return unless you take steps to eliminate their food sources and shelters.
For example, if you hire an exterminator to kill roaches in your kitchen, the roaches will just move into your living room. You will need to hire a rodent exterminator to deal with the issue in the long term.