Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
Another common question from our Cascade Pest Control clients.
Question: How Often Should I Be Doing Pest Control?
Have you seen bugs, mice or rats in or around your home? So, is it a one-time treatment or are you wondering how frequently you need to have pest control service? What is the best plan for you? How do you decide what you need? Do you need regular maintenance? Let’s tackle these questions.
Answer: Regular Maintenance Beats Entrenched Infestations
Unfortunately, pests adapt, grow, and prosper alongside humans, so the industry has to change and respond. The best way to do that is through regular assessment and monitoring for pests. A consistent pest control service plan is essential to eradicating pests and keeping them out.
Cascade offers maintenance service plans on various timelines depending on your needs. You may need service as frequently as monthly or as infrequently as twice yearly. But maintenance is always a key.
Some things to consider as you decide on a maintenance schedule:
Location:
Where you live will dictate how much care you need to control pests. Not only will the climate and geographic location impact pests, but also how much forested space or landscaping is around your home. If you live in a suburb and have a neighborhood that regularly maintains outdoor areas, you will have different needs than a house that backs up to a forest or farmland.
Type of home:
Do you live in an apartment or other dwelling with shared walls? Then you might need to take a proactive approach for yourself because those around you might not. Although you might have a landlord or company hired to maintain the building, you can also take steps to keep out pests. The age of your home can also play a role in your pest control needs. Older homes are more likely to attract infestations, especially if they aren’t well-maintained.
Time of year:
Different times of the year also have increased pressure on homes to repel pests. As the seasons change, it is wise to be aware of the pests that might be at work. Other pests are year round threats, but fall is a very active time for many types of pests. Spring is another time for more active pest / insect activity.
Tolerance for pests
Another big consideration when contemplating pest control is how much you can tolerate stray bugs, spiders, or even rodents. If you are adamant that you never face a mouse or rat, consider a more aggressive plan. You are also likely going to want to work closely with a professional rather than going with a do-it-yourself plan.
Type of infestation:
Regardless of what plan you have in place, there are a few infestations that require immediate response for your health and safety. If you find yourself with a rat, mouse, roach, or stinging insect infestation, get the professionals on the job.
One of the more popular maintenance plans is our Bi-Monthly Service plan. This considers the seasons, regular monitoring, and local climate to target the pests that crop up. Getting service every other month has been shown to be quite effective in preventing common pests and ensuring year-round protection.