
Beyond the Spray: What Real Pest Control Looks Like
Many people wrongly assume that pest control is all about spraying chemicals and using strong pesticides. The truth is different. When it comes to addressing an infestation, trained and certified technicians employ a range of strategies. The idea is to address each site in a unique way that best resolves the existing concerns. In Washington, companies like Presto Pest Control customize every aspect of their service for each customer. In this post, we will discuss what real extermination work looks like.
Detailed Property Inspection
No matter whether you live in an apartment or own a small business office, the first aspect of fixing pest problems is to identify the species you are dealing with. Strategies and ideas that may work for eliminating cockroaches are unlikely to work for a rodent problem. Technicians always start with an inspection. They look for gaps and cracks in the foundation, walls, and other areas of the house, check if there are easy food and water sources of pests, and note down the areas that are infested.
Real pest control isn’t just about signs and finding sources of problems but also determining what caused the infestation. Because customers often don’t notice pests until it’s late, the inspection must focus on the root cause so that infestations can be prevented in the future.
Planning Customized Treatment
As we discussed earlier, pest control services never follow a “one-size-fits-all” rule for customers. Instead, adjustments are often made to ensure the problems are fixed for the given site. The technicians will explain the methods they will use and the protocols they will follow. If you are working with an exterminator for the first time, ask about IPM. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is now the core of both commercial and residential pest control, which is more about minimizing the impact of regular pesticides and chemicals.
Targeted Application
It’s a common myth that technicians and pest control experts just spray and apply chemicals and pesticides throughout the premises. Application is always targeted, focusing on areas where pests have created nests or used to travel. Many companies also focus on using baits, gels, and other products that prevent further movements. This kind of treatment ensures pests don’t get resistant to common products.
Exclusion and Structural Repair
Pest control companies don’t stop at just fixing the existing infestation. The teams are trained to take preventive measures, such as sealing cracks, fixing holes and vent issues, and installing door sweeps. Technicians will also guide you on how you can prevent attractants, such as keeping trash away from the kitchen and removing standing water from the yard.
Scheduled Follow-Ups
After the initial work, technicians will return after two to four weeks to check if pests are still around. If the work is covered by a warranty, you can expect the team to reapply certain treatments to fix the problem. You can also go for a yearly prevention plan, which will include inspections and exclusion methods. Such plans are much cheaper than fixing extreme infestations.
Things to remember
While there are many exterminators around, finding the right one can be tricky. Now that you know what happens during a treatment session, you can start compiling a list of local services and assessing their responses. All pest control companies in Washington are required to have a valid license, should have liability insurance, and must have an in-house team of experts and technicians. Insist on getting a detailed service agreement with relevant terms and conditions, including any discounts or offers promised during the first inspection.
Also, don’t forget to look at online reviews and Google ratings to know if a company is trusted by other customers.