Terminix has been providing pest control service to homeowners and business owners in the tristate area for 75 years. In that time, we’ve taken a lot of calls from a lot of people all over the Southeast. We’ve banished a bunch of bugs, protected countless homes from termites, and helped thousands of people reclaim their homes and yards from pesky pests.
We’ve also answered a lot of questions along the way—from new homeowners trying to protect their investment, from curious youngsters fascinated by a new bug, and even Pest Besting game show hosts. But most of the questions about pest control in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia aren’t coming from our customers. They’re coming from people who haven’t yet experienced the Terminix difference.
If you’re researching pest control treatment, considering, or on the fence: keep reading. Terminix has the answers for you. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about pest control in the Southeast from prospective customers.
Let’s start with the basics: what is pest control? Some people think pest control is the same thing as a pest exterminator, but not necessarily.
Pest control can mean a lot of different things, but generally speaking, pest control is whatever you do to keep bugs, rodents, and other critters out of places you don’t want them to be.
At Terminix, we think of pest control in terms of management and prevention. We have adopted the practice of integrated pest control, or integrated pest management (IPM), across all of our branches. IPM is a philosophical and practical approach to pest control that emphasizes environment management, preventative maintenance, and regular monitoring to control pests with as small an impact as possible.
2. Why Do You Need Pest Control?
You need pest control for all sorts of reasons:
- To keep your family, children and pets safe
- To protect the structural integrity of your greatest investment—your home or business
- To prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms
- To make the most of your summers and enjoy your yard year-round
- To get ahead of bugs and discourage them from encroaching on your home
3. What Chemicals Does Pest Control Use?
As you might imagine, the products and chemicals used during pest control treatment vary from pest to pest.
One of the most common active ingredients in pest treatment products is something called pyrethrin. Another is the closely related pyrethroid. Pyrethrin is a naturally occurring compound found in chrysanthemums, and pyrethroid is its synthetic cousin created by scientists in a lab. These compounds work by paralyzing unwelcome insect visitors and stopping them in their tracks before they can take over your home.
Another group of active ingredients, known as neonicotinoids, are becoming more popular in pest control treatment. These chemicals work great on a variety of insect pests and have very low mammalian toxicity, making them safer to apply around homes & pets and better for the environment.
We also use a variety of baits to control pests. Bait products target specific pests, so non-target organisms are not affected. In fact, when we control subterranean termites, bait is preferred over liquid applications. Bait is also considered to be the most environmentally friendly way to eliminate termites.
Of course, these chemical-based treatments are only a part of our comprehensive approach to pest control. Oftentimes, our technicians don’t even need chemicals to get the job done.
Terminix has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. We’re proud to do our part to help the environment and thrilled at the results we’re able to achieve for our customers.
Using a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments—including plant-based essential oils, targeted thermal treatments, and fungal spores—in conjunction with a proactive inspection model, our expertly trained technicians are able to stay ahead of conditions conducive to pests and treat pest issues with less chemicals overall.
Recently, we made the switch from the high-volume treatments of truck-mounted power rigs to smaller, more efficient backpack sprayers. These backpack rigs are less invasive and allow our technicians to treat specific areas of need more effectively, drastically reducing the amount of pesticide used at any given home.
4. How Often Should Pest Control Be Done?
Because of the variety of pests in our area and the natural changes from season to season, we recommend and provide a once-per-quarter schedule for inspections. Our technicians come once every three months to inspect and adjust pest control treatments as needed. This lets us stay ahead of pests and ultimately provide a less disruptive, more environmentally friendly service to our customers.
Terminix also offers one-time treatment services, but these visits aren’t an effective way to keep pests at bay year-round or prevent infestations.
5. How Much Is Pest Control?
The cost of pest control service varies and depends on the services required, location, the size of your home & yard, the unique conditions of your problem, and more.
Our teams of local technicians work with our customers to customize an individual Pest Control Plan based on the specifics of the situation. And because Terminix technicians live where our customers live, they have the specialized know-how for combating pest conditions unique to different parts of the Southeast.
For a better idea of what pest control might cost you, feel free to give us a call. And of course, you can always request a free inspection and let one of our expert technicians come take a look.
6. Is Pest Control Worth It?
Absolutely! Pest control is one of the most sensible investments you can make. Of course, we wouldn’t be in this business if we didn’t believe that, would we?
With pest control from Terminix, customers are purchasing guaranteed protection from 13 common pests both inside and outside the home. They’re also getting access to the expertise of local Terminix technicians to help identify and eradicate potential pests before they become a nuisance.
For total peace of mind and comprehensive protection,Terminix pest control services—provided by local and experienced experts—is 100% worth the investment, guaranteed. And that’s not just a figure of speech.
Terminix’s services are backed by the strongest guarantee in the industry: if the pests come back, so do we. If your problems persist, we’ll return until all the pests have been nixed and exiled for good.
Pest Control Service – Trust Terminix
If you’re thinking about pest control services from Terminix, we hope this has answered some of your questions. And if you’re ready to talk about protection plans and pest exterminator services, Terminix is ready to help.