Frequently Asked Questions

How soon will I see results from a pest control service?

In most cases, you can expect to see a significant and noticeable reduction in pest activity within one to two days. The exact timeframe depends on the pest we're dealing with along with the choice of materials necessary to provide the best long-term results.

In some cases, you'll see a slight increase in pest activity right after our initial treatment. This is a good sign! This means the products are working. We have disrupted their normal breeding and feeding habits, and they're looking for new place to live. The only difference now is that the product is all over them. They are not going to last long. Give it a week or two to die down, but give us a call if they persist past that time. We may need to give them another round.

Are our methods safe for pets and family?

Humboldt Termite & Pest Control's first priority is the safety and happiness of our customers, as well as being as environmentally friendly as possible.  All of our materials are EPA-approved and all technicians have been thoroughly trained on industry safety regulations and guidelines. The products we use are the same products that are used on sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals.

Do I need to be home for a pest control service appointment?

If the work required for successfully combating a pest is limited to the outside of a property, then you do not need to be home. It's our policy to never enter a home without the owner being present. This protects not only our technicians, but yourself. 

Can we be home on the initial treatment?

Your technician will happily advise you if you, your family, or your pet need to leave the home.

Simpler treatments for ants and spiders don't require you to leave your home. Often times, treated surfaces need time to dry. More complicated infestations do require you to leave the home 4-6 hours with a one hour venting.

If you have questions regarding your specific circumstances, please give us a call at (707) 822-8644, and we would be happy to answer your questions.

When you come to service my house how long will it take?

Certain pests can take longer to deal with than others, and certain homes are larger and more complicated, but typically it will take 1-2 hours.

How does rain impact pest control services?

It is common for pest control companies to receive calls requesting to reschedule their services due to rain or not so ideal weather conditions since customers assume their products will be washed away.

However, rain or light snow can actually optimize the pest control services as pests are typically drawn out of the ground. Additionally, rain and light snow have been known to benefit pest control services because some products (formulated granular pellets) placed on a property need to be activated by water. These pellets deeply seep into your soil preventing crickets, earwigs, ants and other unwelcome pests from intruding into your home.

Are all the technicians licensed?

All of our technicians are licensed and those who have achieved higher training are licensed as "Applicators". The license requires ongoing, continuing education and a demonstration of knowledge of pest biology, safe use of products, rules and regulations, and proper sanitation.

How should I prepare for my initial treatment?

We will send over a list of things that need to be done prior to treatment (such as taking out the trash). Preparing for the treatment insures the best possible outcome and the best value of your money.

What if I touch an area that has been treated?

You should avoid any treated areas until it is dry, which is the minimum precaution for virtually all products.

If you accidentally touch a moist deposit or are otherwise exposed to a diluted product, wash the exposed skin with soap and water. Remember, most of our commonly used materials have been highly diluted and should not cause any ill effects. Consult the specific product label for any further recommendations.  

Do you offer any "green" pest control options?

We are proud to offer our local community green and environmentally-friendly pest control solutions. Depending on the pest and the circumstances surrounding the infestation, we have a variety of options. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call a (707) 822-8644!

Will I know when you are going to arrive for a service?

Absolutely. Isn't it terrible when a company schedules an appointment but doesn't give you a reasonable window of time to expect them?

We provide a 2-hour window for when our technician will arrive so you can plan your day accordingly.Typically speaking, an appointment will look like something like this:

"Your pest service appointment is scheduled for April 24th, 2019, between 2pm and 4pm." 

After confirming your appointment, we'll also notify you when we are on our way for your service.  

Do I need to be home when you arrive?

It depends on the service that is required. For simpler perimeter inspections and exterior prevention, you do not need to be home. 

However, if we need to do an inspection of the interior of your home or business, you will need to be present. This protects you and your home as well as our technicians (Just think about what it's like arriving at a home only to find that the dog hasn't been locked up. Nightmare!).

We do encourage all of our customers to be home for the initial visit. It's important to us that you have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, receive answers and build a relationship with our team that allows us to better help you combat your pest problems. 

Why should I continue pest control services after the pests are gone?

Maintaining your home is a lot like maintaining your car. Regular, routine maintenance keeps your home pest free. Proactive Preventative Pest Protection (Quad-P) is the only plan that works for bugs. They will return one way or another and we recommend you take action before they arrive. 

Not familiar with Quad-P? Learn more here!

Do the monthly pest control sprays prevent termites?

Unfortunately, no, due to the nature of termites and the challenges associated with combating them. That stated, we do consider a monthly service the first line of defense, because we can help provide you more timely, up-to-date notifications on trouble areas. Ultimately, we recommend a termite-specific inspection once a year to account for the additional work required to properly confirm and verify their presence or absence from a property. 

How do I know if I have pest damage?

Besides seeing the actual pest, you can learn about many different types of pests and ways to determine if you have an infestation or damage HERE.

Here are some more common pests and the signs they might leave behind.

Termites in particular can leave behind some of the following signs:

  • Buckling within your ceiling or walls
  • The appearance of water damage
  • Maze-like design damage can often appear in wooden structures
  • Mud tunnels within the foundations of a home
  • Bubbling of paint

Rodents for instance leave behind some other signs such as:

  • Droppings
  • Gnawed holes
  • Urine odors
  • Rub marks

Wood beetles on the other hand often leave behind:

  • Bore dust/frass
  • Crumbling wood
  • Tunnels within wood
  • Exit holes on wood

If you see something that doesn't quite look right, keep a close eye on it and call a pest professional immediately. Any of these pests, if left unchecked, can multiply and spread extremely causing considerable damage. 

I've got pest damage but no pests. Can you help?

So you've already removed the pests, or perhaps they simply moved on, but you are in need of help repairing the damage done. Don't worry. We can still help repair damage even if there are no longer pests to worry about. Our trained and certified team of professional technicians can help assess the true extent of the damage done and then provide different options for repairing it that will best fit your budget.

How much does pest damage repair cost?

In comparison to what it costs to prevent the damage from occurring in the first place: A lot.

Some repair work can be inexpensive, but more often than not, it's a bill we all want to avoid. 

Because of the costs associated with pest damage, we highly recommend reviewing some DIY methods for pest prevention or spend a little time exploring our Proactive Preventative Pest Protection service. 

Depending on the extent of the damage done a sub-contractor maybe more capable of providing an estimate for the cost of repairs.

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We’re always using the latest seasonal pest solutions to make sure those pests stay away! No spam, we promise. Rest easy knowing we’re keeping you up to date and pest free.

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