Q: What can I do to help prepare for a treatment before my Pest Management Professional, or PMP, arrives?

A: Most applications require that the area to be treated be free of clutter and other obstructions that could potentially hinder the success of the treatment. The more you make available to the PMP, the more thorough the treatment will be. This will harbor better results in controlling a target pest.

Q: Are the pesticides being applied safe around my children and pets?

A: It is strongly encouraged to arrange for your pets and children to be moved away from the treatment area(s) for at least an hour or as long as directed by your PMP. These precautions should also be taken when dusts, aerosols, and any other pesticides are applied that may disperse into the air. Avoid contact of treated surfaces that are wet after an application has been made. Allow ample drying time as this will reduce the risk of chemical transfer to non target areas such as food-prepping surfaces and non target organisms such as pets and humans.  

Q: What can “I” do to help control the pests around my home?

A: Limit the amount of harborage areas that pests can dwell in on your property. Cut back any vegetation or ground cover (such as ivy or thick layers of pine needles) that  is directly in contact with your home. Mulch beds should be moved away from the home as to not come in contact with the foundation. Seal all visible cracks and holes that potential invaders could use to enter your home. Discard any piles of debris or  unused materials such as wood piles, bricks, etc. These areas can be potential harborage areas and by removing or limiting them will help in controlling a pest problem.

Q: How long does a treatment typically last?

A: Depending on which treatment method was used, a different array of products can be used to control a pest problem. Certain pests require different kinds of pesticide or non-pesticide products (glue-boards, pheromone traps, non-bait rodent traps, trapping cages, etc.) to be controlled. In most cases a liquid application is made either to the inside or outside of the home. In some cases crawlspaces are treated as well. A majority of the liquid pesticides used to control a pest problem have a “residual”. A residual is the invisible barrier left after a liquid treatment (and in some cases an aerosol) has dried. The amount of time before this residual begins to break down depends on the product itself. Some are labeled to last two weeks as some are labeled for six months; however, liquid applications aren’t always the best option for controlling pests. Gel baits or bait stations can be used as well. Typically baits last until they are completely consumed but can be contaminated by other elements such as excessive exposure to moisture or household cleaners. If baits are used inside your home avoid physical contact and do not directly contaminate the bait with household products (over-the-counter pesticides, disinfectant sprays, cleaners, etc.).

Q: Can I use over-the-counter pesticides for pest encounters after a PMP has treated my home?

A: After a treatment has been performed on your home it is not encouraged to use over-the-counter pesticide products. The products used by your PMP are much more effective and treatment can be jeopardized because not all pesticides are compatible. Contact your PMP if a problem still occurs so as not to neutralize the professional treatment.

117 S First Colonial Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: 757-422-0409
Fax: 757-422-2124