Ants and cockroaches
Ants and cockroaches: find the way in, then treat
Most calls here are one of a few kinds, and the treatment is different for each.
Carpenter ants favor damp wood, fire ants build in the yard, and the large cockroaches many people call palmetto bugs come up from drains and crawlspaces. A baseboard full of ants in March and a trail along the patio in July are different problems.
What we do
Four steps, in this order
- 01
Step 1: Inspect
Kitchen, bathrooms, windows, the foundation line and where pipes enter.
- 02
Step 2: Identify
We name the species, because baits, dusts and sprays are chosen by species and place.
- 03
Step 3: Treat
Licensed applicators follow the product label. We tell you which areas to keep children and pets out of, and for how long.
- 04
Step 4: Prevent
Gaps, damp spots and food sources go into the report, with what you can change.
Before, during and after
Signs you may have them
Trails of ants along counters or baseboards
Fine sawdust below a wooden window frame or beam
Cockroaches seen at night near sinks and drains
Before the visit
Clear the area under the sink
Put pet food away
Tell us where you saw them and when
After the visit
Keep children and pets out of treated areas for as long as we say
Don't wipe the outside edge for a few days
Call us if they return between visits
Questions about this visit
How often will I need service?
Most plans run four visits a year. Some houses need two, and a bad year can need extra visits. The first inspection tells us which, and the quote says how many.
How long until I see results?
Ants and spiders often thin out within days to a couple of weeks. Rodents and termites take longer. It varies by pest and by house, and your report says what to expect.
What if the pests come back?
Call us. Between scheduled visits we return and treat the same areas at no charge for the pests named on your report, while your plan is active. The terms are on the plans page.
Ants or cockroaches in the house?
We'll say when the first inspection can happen.