Faqs

1. What should a homeowner look for when selecting a pest control professional?

A qualified and licensed pest management company that is a member of national, state or local pest management associations. Buy value, not price. Before signing a contract, be sure to fully understand the nature of the pest, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem. Our trained professionals will inspect to pinpoint pest issues, identify not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem and treat in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and help prevent any future recurrence.

Find out if the company has liability insurance to cover any damages to your house or furnishings during treatment. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force and what kind of continuing prevention and management are necessary.

2. If you hire a pest control professional, are you guaranteed a pest-free home?
Pest control companies differ in their guarantees. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing prevention and management are necessary. It is important that homeowners remain active participants before, during and after all pest control treatments. This type of vigilance helps the homeowner better understand their contract and possible guarantee, and helps the Pest Management Company understand the homeowners expectations.

Pest Control

1. I have little tiny bugs coming from my potted plants. Can I spray for these?
This occurs often in plants and unfortunately there are no sprays or products that will get rid of these bugs. These pests are breeding in the soil as a result of moisture and sometimes as a result of the soil being old. The easiest thing to do that usually takes care of the problem is to simply repot the plant with fresh soil.

2. I have roaches in my home and have tried sprays and “bombs” and these don’t seem to be working. What else can I do?
Cockroaches can be very difficult to control because so many things can contribute to their survival such as food, water and shelter. Aerosol bombs are not very effective in controlling cockroaches however proper placement of the other materials is the key to success.

3. We have bugs in our house. Can I get something to spray that is “child friendly” but will get rid of the bugs?
In order to control and/or eradicate the insects you must first eliminate their food sources, nesting areas (if any), entry points, etc.
Our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach identifies not only the pests but the true cause of the problem.   We will then treat in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and help prevent any future recurrence

4. I have bees drilling holes in my house. What can I do and will they sting?
The bees you are describing sound like carpenter bees. They bore into wood to nest and lay eggs. They are not very aggressive, and the male (white spot on face) does not sting. There isn’t a lot that can be done to prevent this from happening however it is important to treat the holes and then seal them as the bees will reuse the holes each year.

5. I have roaches but I keep a clean house. Why do I still see them?
Having a clean house will not eradicate roaches entering your home since they are looking for food, shelter and water to survive. If it is a larger cockroach you are seeing, they are coming from the outside to the inside, through windows or doors that might not be sealed properly when shut, or through attics, basements, etc. If it is the smaller German cockroach, they can be brought in on groceries, bags, furniture, etc.

6. Bed bugs have been all over the news lately. Has there really been resurgence in bed bugs in the U.S.?
Bed bugs have been all over the news because there HAS been an increase in bed bug infestations. Pest control companies who received 1 or 2 bed bug calls a year are now reporting 1 to 2 each week!  According to research conducted by the National Pest Management Association bed bug reports have increased 71%.

7. Are bed bugs just in beds?
Bed bugs are not just in beds. They can be in chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets, cracks and crevices around baseboards, or even behind picture frames. In other words, they can be live pretty much anywhere.

8. Why are bed bugs an issue for hotels, visitors, and homeowners?
Bed bugs only feed on blood and their bites can cause an allergic reaction in most people, leaving itchy, bloody welts on the skin. These welts can take up to 12 days to appear, although most reactions are seen immediately. Adult bed bugs can live for a year without eating, making them especially hard to control and a single female bed bug produces up to 500 offspring in her lifetime. Once inside a hotel or home, bed bugs spread rapidly from room to room - through pipes, in vacuum cleaners, on clothing and luggage. In a hotel, bed bugs can even spread to neighboring rooms, since guests in an infested room may end up moving to another room. Bed bugs can also be transported from location to location through its eggs. Bed bug eggs are whitish and are often no bigger than a pinhead. When eggs are freshly laid, they are sticky and adhere to surfaces easily.
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9. Why are bed bugs so hard to treat?
Bed bugs are VERY elusive, transient and nocturnal pests. Bed bugs are also equated with filth or sanitation problems, which is NOT true. They are often found in clean homes in other areas besides the bed. They can also live for a year or more without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit. 
 
10. How does one control bed bugs?
Any effective bed bug control strategy should start with a careful, thorough home evaluation. This is not a pest that can be controlled effectively with do-it-yourself measures.Our trained professionals will inspect to pinpoint pest issues, identify not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem and develop a treatment and control strategy with the customer depending on the extent of the infestation. 

11. What do bed bugs look like?
They are reddish brown, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, and can be likened to an apple seed.

12. What are termites?
Termites are wood-destroying insects. Their presence dates back to the dinosaurs. While they play an important role in nature, experts estimate they cause $5 billion of property damage each year.

13. Are there different kinds of termites?
Yes, the three major kinds of termites in the United States are damp wood, dry wood and subterranean. Damp wood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood; while, dry wood termites, much more rare in the United States, prefer extremely dry wood. Subterranean termites require moist environments, live mainly in the soil and are the most destructive species.

14. How do you recognize termites?
Depending on your geographical location, termite swarms should be visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home (often near the foundation), and darkening or blistering of wood structures.

15. How much damage do termites cause?
The truth is there are two kinds of homes: those that have had termites and those that will get them. Termites work 24 hours/7 days a week at damaging the wood in and around a structure. And, while they cause $5 billion in damage each year, there is no reason to think that termites cannot be controlled.

16. What can a homeowner do to prevent termites?
The most important thing is to remove the conducive conditions termites need to survive. Termites love moisture; avoid moisture accumulation around the foundation of your home. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents. Be sure to remove old form boards, grade stakes, etc., left in place after the building was constructed. Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. An 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building is ideal. It doesn’t hurt to routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage.

17. Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?                                                                                       
Homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage. 
 
18. What is the most effective type of termite treatment?
 The most effective type of treatment depends upon the severity of the infestation, the species of termite, and the location and construction of the home or building. Our trained and licensed pest control operators can assess each infestation separately and recommend a rigorous treatment plan that will effectively control the termite population.

19. How difficult are termites to treat?
Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own however, our pest control professionals have the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.

20. Are these products dangerous to kids and pets?
All professional pest control products have been registered for use by the EPA. When they are applied according to label instructions by service professionals who have been trained and licensed to use them, they pose virtually no risk.

21. Why should someone hire a professional instead of attempting to control their pest problems by themselves?
Just as you wouldn’t prescribe medicine for yourself or drill your own cavities, you shouldn’t attempt to control termites or other pests on your own. The products and the expertise offered by our trained professionals far surpass what a homeowner could do on their own.

22. What should I do if I have a wildlife problem/should I trap and relocate the animal?
Trapping is not an effective method of wildlife control because it doesn't address the problem of the availability of food and shelter. Trapped wildlife can suffer severe self- injury in their attempts to escape and this is more probable as their confinement in the trap is prolonged. Furthermore, relocation of the captured animals adds to the stress of being in an unfamiliar territory, increases the potential for transmission of infectious diseases and increases conflict between the animal and its environment. Trapping and relocation of adult animals (especially during the spring and summer) in many instances separates mother from babies and will result in the death of dependent offspring. In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources studies show that 60% of relocated raccoons will die.

 DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE WILDLIFE ON YOUR OWN. 

23.How do I get rid of a dead animal with a bad odor from under my house?
We get asked that question many times a year. How do you get rid of that unwanted stinky mess? That's easy,call us. If you have a bad smell our technicians can help you locate the source. We use professional remediation methods to eliminate the source and all odors associated with it. We remove dead animals from under decks,sheds and houses. Many times it's a mouse or a bird that has died in a wall, sometimes it's a deceased opossum or even a cat or a dog. Whatever the problem,no matter how disgusting we can remove it,clean it up and deodorize it.

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Mr. Tracy Philippi is the founder and sole proprietor of Better Wildlife Control. State and Nationally Licensed. All Wildlife are handled humanely and within State and Federal laws. 24 hour 951-795-6093. Email is animalguy4u@hotmail.com P.O. Box 753 Idyllwild, CA 92549 Copyright by Better Wildlife Control 2009