With June being hot and one of the wettest on record in the Washington, D.C. area, many homeowners are experiencing pest problems including ants and roaches. Higher water levels are pushing pests out of the ground and into your home. Yuck! Improper drainage can lead to a lot of serious problems, both inside the home and out. In a yard, it can lead to boggy patches, which aside from ruining a landscape, can attract a lot of unwanted pests. Inside the home it can also attract pests and cause a lot of structural damage. Among the many pests that are attracted to water-damaged wood are wood destroying insects and termite damage in particular. These destructive insects can really ruin a home’s integrity and value, as well as cause thousands of dollars in damage in just a short time. Insurance and pest industry estimates are that termite damage costs $5 billion to $20 billion annually. Homeowners’ insurance usually does not cover the cost of termite damage.

Termites Are Not The Only Pest Attracted to Water Issues

While these wood loving pests are more prone to homes with poor drainage issues, there are also a number of other insects and rodents that can thrive in a home where there is stagnant water and rotting wood. Roaches in particular thrive in areas where there is regular water supply and they can scavenge food sources off the rotten wood and the mold that grows in it. Even something as small as a single, but consistent, dripping can create an insect paradise inside a home. Crawlspaces, attics, and even outside water spigots are common areas where improper drainage issues, such as leaks or back-flow can lead to water damage and creating conducive habits for pests. Rodents are also fond of homes with standing water pools as they provide enough water to survive off of, which also means the area is more likely to encourage nesting and breeding.

Treating Pests is Only Half the Solution

When you begin to have pest problems, instead of just trying to eliminate the pests, the bigger part of the solution is to find the reasons they are there. A good pest control company will not only help treat for the pests, they will also help identify why the pests

Termite Tunnels found during an termite inspection of a Washington, D.C. home.

have presented themselves. Issues with drainage can be a major factor in why many insects begin to take up residence. Wood softened by water damage, standing pools, even small ones, can be like open invitations. Finding the weak points in a home is part of what makes the different between a good pest control company and an excellent one. Working together with a pest control company, it is possible to identify the problems, treat the pest situation and get the repairs done to help keep your home safe and healthy for you and your family.

Prevent Problems Before They Start

One of the best ways to help prevent many potential pest problems is to take regular care around the home. Always inspect your

My Pest Pros’ VPMA Certified Wood Destroying Inspectors are trained to detect and treat termite damage.

pipes, especially under sinks and out of the way areas. Mildew, mold, and musty odors are signs that there is water damage inside the home. Paying attention to the areas outside the home as well are just as important as. Standing water outside the home can lead to serious outdoor pests such as ants and mosquitoes, as well as rodents. While pest control companies can help treat a yard for these pests, prevention is always the best practice.

My Pest Pros has experienced and wood destroying insect certified inspectors capable of detecting and eliminating termite activity as well as other pest problems. Contact us today at 703-665-4455 for a termite inspection, termite warranty or termite protection.

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Small fruit fly infestation are frequently encountered in restaurants, bars as well as homes. While often referred to as “fruit flies,” in reality, these are not the same as the Mediterranean fruit fly, which is a serious pest that damages fruit trees. These pests are nuisances that fall into a variety of species, including drain flies, but are often called fruit flies.

By identifying the precise species, a pest control company can help identify the breeding area and target these pests for elimination. Identifying and locating the harborage site – the unique breeding location – is critical to solving the problem and eliminating an infestation. Cooperation of the homeowner or restaurant owner and staff is critical to eliminating fruit fly issues and avoiding frustration.

Drosophila spp are the typical species of fruit flies found in homes. The adults measure about an eighth of an inch long. Their color d is dull, tan to brownish yellow or brownish black; eyes usually bright red. Drain flies, common in restaurants as well as some homes, often fall into the Psychodidae family. They are shorter, have hairy wings. They are often attracted to light.

Adult females lay an average of 500 eggs and their breeding cycle is extremely quick. Their life cycle typically lasts only 8-10 days! Eggs are often laid near fruit, vegetables, cracks in containers, counters or gaps in grout. Moisture from spills and liquids are common breeding sources. The eggs hatch in about 30 hours. The newly emerged adults mate in about 2 days.

Inspection

Finding the source of breeding is critical. Larval development sites are commonly found in fermenting fruits and vegetables and in their by-products, such as cider or alcohol. The larvae can also be found in briny or vinegar-like liquids where they feed near the surface primarily on yeast. Pupal cases can be located in drier areas on or near the infested food source. Adults are often seen flying or resting on surfaces close to breeding areas. Due to their rapid life cycle, fruit flies can exploit numerous areas of temporary occurrence.

Residences: Look for fermenting grapes, potatoes, onions, bananas, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Soiled trash compactors, trash chutes, garbage disposal units, compost piles, dirty garbage cans, and bottles and cans being saved for recycling are common breeding sites. Some species develop in animal and human excrement.

Food Service Facilities: Food debris under equipment, in dumbwaiter and elevator pits, and in drains are prime breeding areas. Soiled linens, soured mop heads, beer taps, liquor-storage areas, containers in recycling bins, refrigeration drip pans, spilled soda syrup and alcohol are possible locations. Food debris that accumulates under trash can liners are often overlooked. Food particles in mop water can wash into cracks and crevices to provide larvae developmental sites as can standing water on kitchen, bar, and bathroom floors. Inspect locker rooms for food left in lockers by employees. Check food storage areas for overripe fruit.

Food Processing/Industrial Facilities: Inspect for many of the same areas as mentioned under food service facilities. In addition, check food and product waste disposal systems, pallets and trash dumpsters. Small accumulations of food debris on surfaces and in cracks around equipment are common problem areas. Leakage from sink drains and debris clinging under sink edges are potential areas. Wall/floor junctions often are not properly sealed, creating prime breeding sites for the larvae. In processing areas that are frequently hosed down, look for plastic material, which often traps and holds moisture or food debris.

Health Care Facilities: Small fruit fly infestations often originate in dietary preparation areas and can be found along distribution paths throughout the facility. Look for similar larval developmental sites as noted under food service facilities. The adult flies are attracted by odor cues to fruit in patient rooms and employee lockers, food carts, pantries, hairdresser shops, break areas, trash receptacles, and janitor closets.

Commercial/Office Facilities: Inspect break rooms and vending areas for breeding sites. Many buildings now have recycling programs that include the placement of collection bin within the facilities. Often the bins are not emptied frequently enough and/or are not thoroughly cleaned when they are emptied. This also applies to trash receptacles throughout a facility. Sometimes food debris that falls under trash can liners are a source of infestation.
Animal Research Facilities/Zoos: Pay particular attention to the areas where the food for animal consumption is held and prepared. Floor drains in the animal quarters can be excellent harborage sites. Often these areas are washed down daily and any cracks or crevices present allow organic matter to accumulate in them. Certain types of animal bedding (especially rabbit) are particularly attractive as larval development sites to small fruit flies.
Control

Employing integrated pest management principles to small fruit fly infestations is required for success. Sanitation is of the utmost importance in achieving control. therefore, the pest control operator must aggressively recruit the customer’s cooperation
My Pest Pros provides the most effective Fairfax VA pest control.

Contact us today at 703-665-4455. Our trained and licensed pest control professionals will help get rid of roaches in your home or business.

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Integrated Pest Management

The first step to take towards any pest management routine is to fully understand the environment of your garden and surrounding area. No matter if it is a small kitchen garden, or a large field of mixed vegetables, it is important to evaluate not just the gardening patch but the surrounding area. In integrated pest management, the goal is not necessarily to completely eradicate the pest, but to change factors in the environment to help discourage their presence. Integrated pest management also includes using more than one pest management tool, such as adjusting the environment, adapting more attentive gardening habits, introducing and/or encouraging natural enemies of the current pest/pests and sometimes using chemical-based or green pest control products. A multi-faceted approach to pest management can help reduce the environmental impact of gardening, while still successfully growing non native plants.

Methods Involved in Eco-Friendly Pest Control

When possible, not using any form of artificial pesticide is best. In order to this though, it may require a more hands on approach. When tending your garden, the easiest way to remove larger pests is by hand. Either squishing them, or keeping a jar with water close by to drown them. Dedicated pruning is also important in green gardening. Any sign of damage to the plant should be removed, such as infected or infested leaves and stems. Plants should also be set with proper poles and cones to ensure that items such as tomatoes and beans do not get too close to the ground. Identifying the different pests that have invaded your garden and introducing their natural enemies, as well as providing a conducive environment for them, is another method that is used in conjunction with others. When the pests are much bigger, such as deer or other animals, using fencing and planting deterring bushes can be another form of environmentally friendly pest management. Mixing in naturally pest deterring plants into the garden can also be helpful as well with insects.

With proper environmental management and diligent tending, it is possible to fend off even the most resilient of pests.

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Warmer temperatures and higher water tables from winter snow and springtime rains drive ants out of the ground. Ant problems can be daunting and irritating for many homeowners. Ants are a critical part of our ecosystem, but ant problems can ruin food and damage your home. Ants can also spread filth.

Ant Problems Can Damage Your Home

Carpenter ants pose the most risks for homeowners in the Washington, D.C. region. These ants excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their tunneling can compromise a home’s structural soundness and require immediate remediation to protect your home.

Though ants can be difficult to control once they have entered your home, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent ant problems as well as eliminate ants. Eliminating food sources is a critical first step to controlling ant problems and avoiding infestations.

Tips to Prevent Ant Problems

• Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately
• Vinegar-based cleaning products are often helpful for eliminating the pheromone trails ants use to tell other ants how to find a food source.
• Store garbage in sealed containers and remove from the home frequently
• Keep food packages closed or sealed and store products in air-tight containers
• Avoid leaving food out on the counter or pet food out on the floor for long periods of time
• Repair holes or gaps in window and door screens
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes
• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house
• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows

If you suspect an ant or any pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect, identify and treat the problem.

My Pest Pros has experienced and certified pest inspectors capable of detecting and eliminating ant activity as well as other pest problems. Contact us today at 703-665-4455 for a pest inspection or consultation.

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Are there different kinds of termites?

Yes, the four major kinds of termites in the United States are dampwood, drywood, Formosan and subterranean.
• Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wood with a high moisture content. They are normally larger than other termite species.
• Drywood termites, much more rare in the United States, prefer extremely dry wood like that found in attic framing. They live in colonies of up to 2,500 members and usually swarm on sunny, warm days after a sudden rise in temperature.
• Formosan termites, also known as “super termites,” are an extremely aggressive termite species orginially from China. They live in huge underground colonies, with an average of 350,000 workers and build intricate mud nests in the ground.
• Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite species. They live in underground colonies with as many as two million members. Subterranean termites use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What are some signs of a termite infestation?

Depending on where you live, termite swarms may be visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can sometimes be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of a termite infestation include soft, decayed wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home (often near the foundation), and darkening or blistering of wood structures.

How much damage do termites cause?

Termites eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, meaning damage to wood in and around a structure can happen very quickly. In fact, the NPMA estimates that termites cause $5 billion in property damage each year. The good news is that termites can be controlled with the partnership of a trained pest professional.

What can a homeowner do to prevent termites?

There are many steps a homeowner can take to help prevent termites from infesting their property. Most importantly, a homeowner should eliminate or reduce moisture in and around their home, which termites need to thrive. Divert water away from the home’s foundation by installing properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Trim vines, hedges and other vegetation to prevent them from blocking vents. Remove old form boards, grade stakes, tree trunks and roots near a building, as they may attract termites. In addition, maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home. Finally, routinely inspect the foundation of the home for signs of termite damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage?

Typically, homeowner’s insurance does not cover termite damage. Most pest infestations and accompanying damage are considered maintenance issues by insurance carriers.

How difficult are termites to treat?

Termites cannot be effectively treated by a homeowner on their own. Pest control professionals have the training, expertise and technology to eliminate a termite infestation.

How are termites controlled?

A licensed pest control professional will be able to recommend a course of action depending on many factors, including the area of the country that you live in, the size of your infestation, the termite species present and your home’s construction.

What is the most effective type of termite treatment?

The National Pest Management Association and the entire pest management industry are committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. The most effective type of treatment depends on the severity of the infestation, the species of termite, and the location and construction of the home. A trained and licensed pest control professional can assess each infestation individually and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

How much does a termite treatment cost?

A termite treatment can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,800 dollars, depending on where you live, the construction of your home, severity of the infestation and the type of contract offered by your pest control professional. After a thorough inspection, in most cases your pest control company will give you an estimate at no charge.

How long does a termite treatment typically take?

Termite treatments typically will take no more than a day.

Contact My Pest Pros today for a termite inspection and to protect your home from termites and other pests.

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Northern Virginia restaurants suffer from the same pest control challenges as the rest of the Washington, D.C. area, or for that matter, the world. It takes years for a restaurant to build a good reputation. But it takes only one pest infestation to destroy it. There is little more damaging to a restaurant’s reputation and business than flies buzzing around the table, a cockroach scritching across the floor, or a mouse scurrying under the kitchen doors. What can management and staff do to help preserve the name and character of our great Northern Virginia restaurants?

Stop them before they start

There are four basic types of pests that plague eating establishments. Identify which ones are prevalent in your area and “set up a perimeter” so as to prevent their entry. If they are already present, similar steps can be taken to eradicate them. Let’s consider them one by one.

Rodents

Rodents have poor eyesight and tend to follow the same paths, leaving rub marks along the bottoms of walls. Employees should be on the lookout for these and other telltale signs such as droppings, burrows, and gnaw marks on plastic pipes or electrical wires. Try to identify as many entry points as possible and plug them with expanding foam insulation. Although rodent poison may be inappropriate for the inside of the restaurant, it can be placed near dumpsters and at certain spots along the outside of the structure. Sealing entry points is always a good idea.

Cockroaches

Restaurants provide everything that roaches need to survive and thrive: moisture, warmth, food, and plenty of places to hide. Roaches are thigmotropic in nature, meaning they prefer the sides or tops of their bodies touching other objects. So, they spend most of their lives in small, tight areas. Therefore, treatments should be limited to crevices, cracks, and wall voids. Using a combination of insecticide, roach bait, and an insect growth regulator is usually needed. Good sanitation is a must. Even a small amount of grease or food droppings can easily sustain and attract roaches for a long time.

Flies

Flies are a particular challenge in restaurants because they fly. They just come and go right along with customers, staff, and delivery people. Commons flies found in restaurants are houseflies, fruit flies, drain flies, and fungus gnats. Since each may require a different type of deterrent, the best control method is preventing them from entering in the first place. Eliminate flies at the dumpsters before they move inside by keeping these areas as clean as possible and closing dumpster lids when not in use. Cleaning and good sanitation is critical. Most restaurants focus on eliminating adult flies instead of eliminating the source where they are breeding. Regular deep cleaning of cracks, crevices, soda and beer lines, under and behind equipment will help prevent and eliminate breeding areas.

Stored-product pests

To prevent weevils, moths, and beetles from making the storage areas their home, rotate products on a first in, first out basis. Make sure to store dry foods off the floor and away from walls, and seal all containers tightly. Employees should inspect food supplies and food storage areas for signs of an infestation, such as webbing, live larvae and adult pests, and remove any infested commodity immediately to prevent the problem from spreading.

Most importantly, remember that pest control can only be achieved with proper sanitation. Keep everything immaculately clean. Use common sense. Don’t leave food out. Don’t leave empty cardboard boxes sitting in storage for long periods of time. With a few simple techniques and routines, you can have a relatively pest-free restaurant.

My Pest Pros offers commercial pest control protection programs for restaurants, offices, retail stores, shopping centers and other businesses. Contact us today at 703-665-4455 and We’ll Get Rid of What’s Bugging You!

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You put a lot of time and money into owning a home in Fairfax, VA; you want to protect it from damage, no matter what form it takes. Most often, the problems you face regarding your property are solvable if not completely avoidable. However, it does mean that you have to take preventative measures whenever you can. Getting an annual termite inspection is your best bet against watching your property take a nose dive. But first, you need to understand why this is so important and familiarize yourself with industry-standard products like Termidor.

The Importance of getting an Annual Termite Inspection

Termites might seem harmless when you look at their miniscule size, but the reality is they can do significant damage to even the biggest home in Fairfax, VA. The worst part about it is that termite infestations are not always caught before damage is done. A yearly termite inspection can help save you some time, money, and frustration, especially considering how an expert can find signs of termite populations in ways you might not be able to. A professional inspector has the training and equipment it requires to find the problem and then take the appropriate measures to fix it and prevent it in the future.
Most Common Signs of a Termite Problem

Although a professional exterminator will help you to discover the underlying issues surrounding a termite infestation, there are several signs that you could find on your own which indicate a problem. If you notice buckling paint on your home or if there are tiny holes puncturing the wood, it could mean you need to have a complete termite inspection. Homes in Fairfax, VA are not the only ones prone to pest issues; termites love areas wet by the rain, and they especially seek out places where wood touches the ground directly. Be sure to check there too, or at least make sure that your exterminator does it for you. In most cases, these are the first places a professional inspector will look for signs of termite activity.

Swarming termites in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region usually appear in late spring and early summer. Termites swarm when they are flying off to form new colonies. They are often mistaken for flying ants and flying ants are frequently mistaken for termites. Termite swarms are one of the few times a homeowner may realize they have a termite problem.

How to Protect your Home from Termites

Being able to adequately protect your home from an infestation might require a comprehensive termite inspection on an annual basis, but your property will need your help year round. There are measures you can take to ensure that your problems stay minimal, but you will need to look further into products like Termidor to give you the boost you need to succeed in your extermination and prevention efforts. There are other products available, but it is best to use natural remedies or what is recommended by the experts. Also, it wouldn’t hurt for you to remove pools of standing water from around your property if you possibly can, as this is a breeding ground which cannot be destroyed easily with simple products. Be sure that your property is consistently checked for issues, remember to keep your home less appealing to termites as best you can, and don’t be afraid to call in an expert for some help. After all, your investment and your future are on the line.

My Pest Pros’s VPMA Certified Wood Destroying Insect Inspectors have advanced training and testing to provide the best inspections and solutions for termites, carpenter ants and other wood destroying insects. Call us today at 703-665-4455 and We’ll Get Rid of What’s Bugging You!

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To sign a pest control service agreement, or not, that is the question that a lot of people face when they find themselves with a pest control issue. Even for those wanting to protect their home, the idea of engaging into a pest control service agreement is something to consider. Just what is service agreement for pest control? It is a form of contract that the customer and pest control service enter into. It will outline several points, such as what pests are being remedied, where this service is taking place, how frequently treatments are being applied, and what treatments are being applied. It will also list the costs, either as an itemized bill or a total sum for the entire length of recurring treatment.

Why People Sign Pest Control Service Agreements

For many people there are often significant benefits of signing a service agreement with their pest control company. It is often more cost effective to have a series of schedules and set payments for pest control services. It is also a matter of convenience and security. Instead of requiring repeated scheduling, a service agreement will outline time frames, or even specific appointments, so you know when to expect them and how to better plan out your schedule. You can also rest assured that your pest control problem will be taken care without hassle for the duration of the agreement. A good way to look at a pest control service agreement, is to think of it as insurance that the pest will not only be removed, but kept away. For treatments such as termite treatment and prevention, it is also a way of proactively protecting what is often your biggest financial investment.

For some homeowners, the pest control issue is not serious and they do not feel a need to enter into a recurring pest control service agreement. In other instances, homeowners may be unsure about the investment, or dislike the idea of being locked into an agreement. While it is understandable to want to see how a company performs after a single job, before considering them for extended services, it is important to consider costs. For most companies, the cost of an agreement is considerably more cost effective than repeated jobs that are not contracted through a service agreement. As for being unsure of the work, most agreements also come with a guarantee of satisfaction and that the job will be done.

The Bottom Line

There are very few reasons why a pest control service agreement does not work best for most pest control needs. Having assured pest control coverage for your home, not only protects it as an investment, but ensures it is a healthier environment for your family. There are many types of pests that can present not just a sense of discomfort for many people, they also carry diseases that can endanger the health of people and animals living inside the home. In the end, with the benefits presented, there is no reason to not at least investigate the types of pest control service agreements are available.

My Pest Pros offers options including one-time treatments as well as recurring pest protection programs. Call us today at 703-665-4455 and We’ll Get Rid of What’s Bugging You!

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When it comes to the late Fall and winter months, pest control in Northern Virginia can seem a bit more difficult. As Fall sets in, the first of the seasonal pests makes an appearance; the stinkbug. It, like most other cold weather pests, begins to invade homes seeking shelter from the dropping temperatures. Aside from stinkbugs, there are several other pests that can make their way inside, and do anything from rile up allergies, to leave unsavory messes and pose medical concerns.

Stinkbugs, mice, cockroaches, and other insects all invade in Winter.

Stink Bug

For most Fairfax, VA pest control companies, the common pest complaints received are centered around critters that are looking for warmth. While pests such as stinkbugs can be smelly and leave nasty stains if squashed, they are fairly easy to remove with something like a shop vac. The bigger concerns for winter pests are the mice and cockroaches. Both of these are known for carrying and transmitting several infectious diseases and parasites, as well as shedding allergens in their droppings, saliva, and skin. Many species of spiders will also wander indoors in cold weather, often seeking both shelter and stalking after the other insect that came in as well.

What you can do to help prevent and discourage winter pests.

Pest control in Northern Virginia is a lot like it is in other parts of the country. The basics to making a home less inviting to pests are the same everywhere. You want to make sure that everything is sealed up and that you are not harboring areas that can be considered prime real estate by pests.

The process of eliminating cold weather pests can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Sealing up cracks, such as where piping and ventilation enter and leave the home is one step that can be taken. This can also include have secure and breathable grating on things such as dryer vents. Dehumidifying basements and attics can help further discourage many insects from taking an interest as well. There are three major things that they are seeking; shelter, food, and water. They can survive off the tiniest amounts, so keeping the home sealed and dry can help make it less welcoming. One of the biggest things that any pest control company will suggest to clients, is to be sure that food and food sources are kept under control. This means keeping all food off the counters and floors and food garbage in sealed containers. For pests such as cockroaches, the task can be particularly challenging. Old boxes can provide an adequate supply of food, via the glue used to hold them together.

Most Winter pests can be prevented, but when they cannot…

It is important to call on the services of company that specializes in pest control in Northern Virginia. Local companies tend to be better equipped and accustomed to dealing with the regional pests and provide the best customer service. If after doing what you can to make your home inhospitable for pests, but still seem to be having a problem, calling in a pest control service can help get it back under control for good. The sooner a problem is addressed, the easier it will be to handle. Which also means, preparing the home before they arrive is also more effective than when they have already started to show up.

Call My Pest Pros at 703-665-4455 and We’ll Get Rid of What’s Bugging You!

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When it comes to how to choose a pest control company for you in Fairfax, VA, there are several things you should keep in mind, and questions you should ask before hiring. There are certain industry standards and common practices that any reputable, reliable, and competent company that offers pest control in Northern Virginia will follow. The following are some of the major points you should look for when choosing one for your pest control needs.

Be sure that they are licensed and insured.

Accidents can happen, even when they occur during a routine that has been done a thousand times. Any respectable company that offers services, especially services that take them into people’s homes, should be fully licensed and insured. It not only protects clients, but the business as well. They should also be able to verify they are licensed and insured by providing it in writing and showing proof prior to being hired.

Even if they have the proper paperwork, consider their reputation.

It is important to ask around and look up reviews on a prospective service. Pay attention to both the positive and negative reviews, and look for recurring comments. If you find a company that has a mix of good and bad, consider what people are considering as negative marks for them. Do multiple reports claim they overcharge? Are there multiple claims of bad service? One or two negative reviews cannot speak for the entire company, or everyone’s experience, but if you constantly find complaints, you may wish to reconsider them. It is also important to look over more than one source of reviews.

Ask important questions when ordering an evaluation.

Never hire a service without having a consultation. Most companies, as a practice, offer some form of free or low cost consultation service. In Fairfax, VA pest control companies should be agreeable to the following questions: Does it cost less on the overall bill if we use you for both the evaluation and pest control service? How many treatments will it take, and is there a guarantee on the treatments? Is there a re-treatment window, for if the pest returns within 30 to 60 days? You should also be sure to ask about any extra fees involved. If you prefer to use Green products, and a company claims to use Green pest control products, be sure to get the names of the products used and verify that they are indeed as friendly as they claim. Many companies will say a product is organic or natural when in fact it is only “natural-based.” It is an unfortunate necessity, but the truth is, not all companies are as truthful as we would like. If a company is unwilling to answer basic questions about qualifications, pricing, and guarantees on their work, or much less put it in writing, then it is a serious sign that they do no deserve your business. A solid pest control company will be open, honest, upfront, and happy to answer any questions or concerns that clients may have. Some of the best pest control companies in Northern Virginia focus on not just getting rid of the current pests, but in helping clients work to prevent their return as well.

If you are looking for how to choose a pest control company, My Pest Pros would like to be your answer. For pest control questions or to schedule service, contact My Pest Pros at 703-665-4455.

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