How Often Do You Need Pest Control

Frequency Of Pest Control

Deciding how often to get professional pest control services done can be tricky. Many homeowners and business owners only call an exterminator when they already see an active infestation or pest problem. However, being proactive with preventative pest control is key to keeping your property pest-free and avoiding larger issues down the road. This article provides tips on optimal pest control service intervals.

Factors Affecting Treatment Frequency

How often you need pest control depends on several factors:

• Type of Pests – Treatments for ants can be monthly. For wasps or bed bugs, specific treatment intervals may vary. Termites may only need annual preventative treatments. Frequency depends on pest lifecycles.
• Infestation History – Homes with previous major infestations need more frequent preventative treatments and inspections to keep new pests out.
• Season Changes and Weather – Many pests get more active in spring and fall due to changing weather conditions. In places like Australia, seasonal changes may differ. Extra vigilance during seasonal transitions keeps them out.
• High-Risk Areas – Spaces like attics and kitchens are prone to bugs. Depending on your location, focus treatments more frequently in problem zones.
• New Construction & Renovations – Expect higher likelihood of occasional invaders while walls are opened up. Pretreat during construction to prevent structural damage.

Seasonal Pest Control

Getting pest control service four times per year or quarterly is a good idea for preventative treatment. Time treatments around the change of seasons, as pests often become more active and start looking for ways to enter the home when temperatures fluctuate.

• Spring – Schedule first in early spring when hibernating pests and other creatures become active again. Treat the home perimeter and attic areas.
• Summer – Treat during summer to keep ticks, stinging insects, and occasional invaders like mice out of living spaces, ensuring your family remains safe.
• Fall – Fall is when many pests invade, looking for a warmer environment going into winter months. Perimeter and attic treatments are key.
• Winter – Even in colder climates, treat kitchen and bathroom spaces which may attract occasional invaders searching for food even in winter.

Treatment Frequency by Pest Type

Treatment frequency also depends on what specific pests you want to control and the range of issues seen in the past.

Ants

Treat interiors once a month during peak ant seasons, especially kitchen and bathroom areas. Spot treat outdoor ant hills or nests as needed, and consider regular visits for optimal control.

Cockroaches

Treat kitchens and bathrooms once every two months year-round if roaches were spotted previously. Increase to monthly treatments or frequent visits if a large infestation was present.

Rodents (Rats & Mice)

Exterior treatments around foundation and garage areas up to every eight weeks year-round to deter these animals. Attic dusting with rodenticide up to every three months. Interior trapping after signs of activity.

Termites & Wood-Destroying Pests

Annual inspection and preventative liquid, foam, or bait treatments around foundation and throughout home for at-risk properties. More frequent monitoring if an active termite infestation was present previously. Consulting a professional pest controller can help in determining the best preventive measures.

Mosquitoes & Occasional Invaders

Treat property perimeter, landscape plants, and areas of standing water monthly during warmer months when a variety of pests are active.

Stinging Pests

Treat nests as spotted. Professional treatment around exterior areas up to monthly through late summer/early fall peak pest activity periods.

Ticks

Treat shrubs, perimeter areas, stone walls, or wood piles near outdoor living spaces up to every four weeks through early fall peak months for ticks.

Spiders

Treat home exterior perimeter, attic access points, vents, and overhangs up to every two months during warmer months when spiders are most active. Can reduce to quarterly in colder months.

Signs It’s Time to Call for Service

Don’t wait until you have a full-blown pest emergency. When these signs appear, it’s time to get professional pest control done.

For example:

• Spot droppings, nests, or other evidence of pests in house or garage
• Catch occasional pests in glue boards or snap traps
• See cluster flies or ladybugs collecting on windows
• Pets start scratching more due to fleas or mites
• Notice dark spots or holes in dry goods like flour or pasta
• See slow leaks, holes, or hollow spots in structural wood
• Numerous ant or stinging insect nests in yard

Scheduling regular pest inspections means taking care of little issues before they become infestations. Reaching out to pest control experts routinely for inspection and maintenance treatments is the smartest and most affordable way to keep pests at bay.

Conclusion

Preventative pest control treatments an average of every 2–3 months year-round are ideal for protecting homes from pest infestations and ensuring the safety of your family. Target key areas like attics, kitchens, and building perimeters, regardless of your building size, as well as addressing previous or common pest issues on the property during optimal treatment windows.

Don’t wait until there is already an existing pest issue—reach out to a pest control provider today; it’s one of the best ways to maintain a pest-free environment and explore your options for an optimal maintenance schedule.