It is normal to wonder how long pest control treatments last. After all, you are spending good money on having a professional come in to take care of your pest problem. Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to this question.
The truth is, how long pest control treatments last is largely contingent on the type of pest you have in your home. General pest control treatments typically last a few months. This type of treatment usually targets common insects found in most households, such as roaches, spiders, moths, silverfish, and woodlice (roly-poly), among others. However, they do not target pests like termites (which will be covered later).
General pest control treatments usually involve a technician spraying high-grade pesticides to the baseboards of your home. Sometimes, they will also spray the exterior of your home. Exterior sprays help prevent insects from entering your property.
While general pest control treatments can last a few months, one treatment does not guarantee lifetime defense from typical household insects. It is best to have the treatments done regularly over a scheduled period. Most companies recommend quarterly visits. To ensure your house is protected year-round, it is best to consult a pest control professional.
Note: Pest control companies offer varying guarantees on how long their services will be effective so you can always check for and take advantage of these.
It depends on the kind of pest you are dealing with. However, in general, pest control treatments that target common insects around the house can last a few months. These include pests such as roaches, spiders, moths, and the like.
How Long Does Ant Treatment Last?
To some, ants may not seem like an urgent problem. Many people share their homes (either knowingly or unknowingly) with ants and consider it normal. However, ant infestations can be serious, especially when left unresolved. These insects can contaminate food and spread disease.
Fortunately, ant infestations can be treated with the help of professionals. Depending on the severity of the situation, monthly visits are usually required for 3-6 months to get rid of your ant problem. This constant upkeep helps ensure that the ants do not return after removal. Apart from exterminating the ants within your home, pest control technicians will also search for the anthill, the source of the issue. They will then destroy the anthill to prevent recurring infestations. After that, quarterly visits are necessary to maintain treatments.
How Long Does Termite Treatment Last?
Any homeowner must be wary of termites, which are notorious for their wood-boring abilities. These pests can tear down homes from the inside without being discovered. Often, people do not even know they have termites until the problem is large. Because termites do more damage the longer they are left untreated, it is crucial to address your termite problem immediately. If you suspect termites have invaded your home, call a pest control professional to make an inspection.
If you find termites, you must have them exterminated at once. Do not wait until the problem gets worse. Luckily, modern termite treatments are very effective. How long they last largely depends on the treatment method. Generally, there are two common termite treatments used today.
Liquid Treatment
On average, liquid termite treatments can last for up to five years. This type of treatment involves the use of many gallons of liquid pesticide solution, which can be harmful to the environment. It does not guarantee that termites will not return to your property because the treatment does not eliminate the colony itself. Liquid treatments take a decent amount of time to be applied. For these reasons, many people prefer other methods.
Baiting Stations
For a less invasive method of termite treatment, ask your pest control technician to use baiting stations instead. This type of treatment involves installing baiting stations in and around your property. Once termites find and take the baits, they bring them back to their colony. This method gets rid of your termite problem at its source and only uses a small amount of pesticide.
While more effective and less of a hassle, baiting stations are considered more time-consuming. Termites will have to find the installed baits, which can take months. Additionally, you may need to go through re-treatments and re-evaluations down the road to make sure your termite problem has been fully resolved. They are considered more environmentally-friendly than liquid treatments.
How Long Does Bed Bug Treatment Last?
While bed bugs are not known to carry or spread disease, they can inflict pain on homeowners. Notorious for their bites, bed bugs can be a source of annoyance for many. And, unlike fleas, which only bite the lower body, bed bugs target any exposed skin. They are hard to identify but, thankfully, not hard to treat.
Bed bug treatments are generally effective and last indefinitely. If the source of the infestation is not discovered, completely eradicating them from your home may prove difficult. Moreover, bed bugs gain access to your home by hitchhiking on humans or animals. This behavior means virtually anyone — even your pets — can bring them into your house from the outside after extermination.
What to Do After Treatment
Pest control treatments can get rid of your pest problems, but negligence can bring them back. After treatment, you must do everything in your power to make sure infestations do not happen again.
One of the best ways to prevent future infestations is to keep your home clutter-free and clean. Insects often hide in and around clutter, so removing their places of shelter can significantly reduce your chances of infestations. Another thing worth doing is to cut off their food supply. To assist in cutting the food supply, clean up water spills and food waste immediately. It is also essential to take out the trash as often as possible.
Finding Pests After Treatment
If you still find insects in your home after treatment, do not fret. Pest control treatments do not guarantee a pest-free residence forever. Some insects will survive, while others will take longer to die.
Other factors can influence how long treatments last. For example, some surfaces like glass, stainless steel, and tiles do not absorb insecticides. These surfaces leave more of the solution on the surface area, which pests then come into contact with. This can be bad, as the solution is prone to removal through cleaning or evaporation. Additionally, dust and oil on these surfaces will render insecticides less effective.
In contrast, surfaces like wood, carpeting, and concrete can absorb insecticides. Pests that travel or live within these surfaces are more likely to come into contact with the solution. Insects that mainly travel on the exterior may not encounter enough of the insecticide.
Other factors that contribute to how long treatments last include temperature, air movement, moisture, and light. Pest control professionals try to choose the best type of insecticide based on a combination of these factors.
Why Hire a Pest Control Professional?
Upon encountering pests on their property, many homeowners believe they can handle the situation themselves. While that may ring true for some, others are ill-equipped to effectively and safely address the issue. In a majority of cases, it is best to contact a pest control company or professional to fix the problem for you.
In addition to possessing the knowledge needed to exterminate pests, professional technicians are more experienced. They have the high-grade tools required to carry out such a task. When faced with a pest problem, do not hesitate to ask for professional help and do not wait until the problem gets out of hand and difficult to resolve.
How Much Do Pest Control Treatments Cost?
The frequency of visits largely determines the cost of a pest control treatment or service. On average, a pest control company can charge you between $200 to $600 for a one-time visit. On the other hand, monthly treatments can cost somewhere between $40 to $60.
While these figures may seem expensive to some, they are minimal compared to the potential cost to repair damages caused by pests left unchecked. Wood-boring pests, in particular, can destroy your house’s structure. Some insects spread diseases like salmonella and E. coli, while others can be deadly to unsuspecting children, pets, and even you.
Pest control treatments may not be cheap, but they are certainly more preferable than paying for house repairs or hospital bills. When you think about it, pest control treatments allow you to save money in the long run.
While a typical pest control treatment only takes an hour to complete, the effects can last for a very long time. Pests can ruin your home and health, so do not think you can live with them harmoniously. At the slightest suspicion of pests in your house, schedule an inspection with a professional. If they do find any, it is important to act immediately.