What kind of treatments do you use?

Another important question you should ask before you hire a pest control pro has to do with the company’s methods to remove and catch unwanted critters.

Contrary to common belief, pesticides aren’t the only way to deter and remove infestations. A diligent pest control agency will utilize multiple techniques to deal with animal intruders, and you should ensure they provide you with an array of options to choose from.

They may even recommend some changes to help prevent future infestations. For instance, you may need sink drain covers and lidded indoor trashcans to seal gaps in the windows, doors, and walls and repair water leaks.

When it comes to direct methods for catching and removing unwanted critters, a pest control specialist may set up mechanical deterrents, lay traps, and place screens or tape in quarantine areas. They may also sprinkle diatomaceous earth powder, which is a type of sand made from fossilized remains generally recognized as safe by the FDA.

Pest control specialists may also use heat treatments, which heat certain spots of your house up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bedbugs.

The just-mentioned methods are the safest options if you can’t leave your home during and after treatment. However, if you’re dealing with a more serious infestation, pest control companies may need to resort to more harsh means, such as fumigation, rodenticides, and pesticides.

If that’s the case, when you hire a pest control pro, it’s important to ask how these treatments affect you. In most cases, home residents may need to vacate the affected areas while the products are used indoors.