How Do Pest Control Exterminators

An infestation of pests can be more than just a nuisance. Certain types of insects, like rats and mice, can cause significant property damage; while other pests, such as bee hives or termites, can threaten the entire structural integrity of the home. In either case, it’s important that landlords and tenants act quickly to mitigate the problem by calling in a professional exterminator as soon as possible. However, with the issue of who should pay for the service often arising during these situations, it’s important to clarify up front what the process will look like in terms of who is responsible for paying for the services.

Most people consider pest control exterminator and pest control experts the same, and while they both have the same end goal of creating a safer and more livable home environment, these professionals use different treatment methods to reach this shared goal. For example, while exterminators typically work with harsh chemicals that kill the pests they target, some pest control services use natural solutions that are safer for children and pets, but may take longer to eliminate a pest infestation.

In most cases, the person who hires an exterminator is responsible for paying for the services. This is true regardless of whether they live in the home, are renting it to someone else or are a homeowner who’s just having a problem with unwanted guests. Landlords should also make arrangements for pest control in their rental properties, and be sure to discuss the terms of this with prospective tenants. Landlords should be ready to cover the cost of any pest problems as early on as possible, even if they aren’t sure who is responsible for covering the expenses.

How Do Pest Control Exterminators Determine the Severity of a Pest Infestation?

The first step to eliminating any pest infestation is for a professional exterminator to conduct a full inspection of the home, identify the pests and their location in the house, and determine how severe the problem is. This initial visit will likely cost more than subsequent treatments, and it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding on an exterminator service plan.

After a pest control expert has conducted an inspection of the home, they will usually recommend one or more treatment options based on the type of pest and the extent of the infestation. These treatment options can include pesticides, baits and traps, or even fumigation. Some companies may charge a fee for the initial consultation, while others will simply include it as part of the overall price quote for the initial visit.

If the infestation is severe, the exterminator will often recommend a more intensive treatment option, which can include fumigation or the installation of an insect-proof barrier around the home. In addition, some companies offer recurring pest control plans to ensure that the problem doesn’t return. These recurring plans can be more affordable than the cost of a single treatment, and some offer discounts for multiple homes within the same service area. It’s also a good idea for homeowners and renters to do their own preventative measures by blocking entry points with quality sealants and using knitted copper mesh along baseboards, pipes and drains.