FAQ

General Questions

• What areas do you serve?
  We serve greater Indianapolis and outlying areas.
• Which pests do you service?
  We service all pests except termites.
• Do you offer free inspections or consultations?
  Yes, the initial inspection is free.
• How do I know if I have a pest infestation?
  If you notice live or dead pests, droppings, gnaw marks, holes or burrows, damage to food packaging, scratching noises, buzzing or chirping, foul odors, tracks or trails, nests or eggs, chewed or wilted plants, spider webs, pest activity near entry points, and unexplained allergies or itchy skin, these are all indications that you may have a pest infestation.
• How much does pest control typically cost?
  Our transparent pricing is published on our website.
• What is included in a pest control service visit?
  Initial inspection, treatment plan, application of treatments, follow-up recommendations, report and documentation.
• How long will it take to see results after a treatment?
  You may see increased pest activity for about a week after the treatment application. After that, the treatment will take full effect and pest population will start declining rapidly. You should see significant improvement after two weeks.
• Do you offer emergency pest control services?
  Yes we do.
• How often do I need pest control treatments?
  The pesticides we usually use generally offer up to 90 days of residual control. After that, re-treatment will probably be necessary. With the exception of bed bugs, roaches and termites, our experience has been that a treatment every three months is usually sufficient.

Treatment and Methods

• What kinds of products do you use? Are they environmentally friendly?
  We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, including non-chemical approaches like traps, barriers, and EPA-approved pesticides, which are safe when used properly.
• What is your approach to treatment?
  We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to deliver sustainable, effective pest control. Our approach focuses on prevention, with property sealing and cleanliness to deter pests. Through inspections and accurate pest identification, we customize our solutions, prioritizing non-chemical methods like traps and barriers. When necessary, we apply EPA-approved products selectively to ensure safety. By monitoring activity and setting thresholds, we provide long-term, environmentally responsible solutions for a pest-free environment.
• Do you use traps or chemicals?
  We use a variety of methods, including spray insecticides, baits, traps, dusts, and insect growth regulators. In many cases, we can even control pests on your property without spraying at all.
• Can I stay in my home during the treatment?
  Generally, you may stay in your home during treatment. People with serious illness may be asked to leave the home during treatment. If we are using a restricted use pesticide (an unlikely scenario) for a serious infestation, you may be asked to leave your home during treatment. We have never had the need to use a restricted use pesticide in a residential property.
• How do I prepare my home before a pest control treatment?
  Before treatment, clear away personal items from counter tops, floors, and areas where treatment will occur. Store food, utensils, and pet items in sealed containers. Remove pets and children from the home during treatment. Follow any specific instructions provided by your technician.
• What should I do after the treatment is completed?
  After the treatment, stay out of treated areas for 2-4 hours or until dry. Open windows for ventilation, avoid cleaning treated surfaces for 24 hours, and follow any special precautions for children and pets. Monitor for pest activity and report any issues to your provider.
• Do your treatments prevent pests from coming back?
  Our treatments provide 90-day residual control, helping to keep pests from returning. While no treatment can guarantee pests will never return, we focus on long-term prevention through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Regular inspections, treatments, and maintaining a clean, sealed environment will minimize the risk of re-infestation. Ongoing maintenance is key to keeping pests at bay.

Preventative Measures

• How can I prevent pests from entering my home?
  Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. Keep your home clean by removing food debris and storing food properly. Dispose of trash regularly and eliminate moisture by fixing leaks. Maintain landscaping by trimming plants away from the house and storing firewood away from the foundation. Install screens on windows and vents, and conduct regular inspections for signs of pests.
• What should I do if I see a single pest in my home?
  If you spot a single pest, identify it, clean up any food or water sources, and seal potential entry points. Monitor for more activity and contact a pest control professional if the problem persists.
• Do you provide advice on pest-proofing my property?
  Yes, we offer a pest exclusion service.
• Are there any DIY pest control tips that actually work?
  To control pests effectively, start by sealing any entry points around your home to prevent them from getting in. Natural repellents, such as eugenol oils, can also help deter pests.

  For bait traps, mix one part borax with three parts sugar to attract ants and other sweet-loving insects. To make a liquid bait, dissolve the borax and sugar in warm water. For roaches, combine one part borax with two parts peanut butter to create a bait. Keep in mind that borax is a slow-acting insecticide, and it may take up to a week to show results. When using borax baits, bottle caps can be repurposed as bait stations.

  Dusting with diatomaceous earth around problem areas can help as well, as it works by dehydrating pests. Do not hand-apply diatomaceous earth, use an inexpensive hand duster. Diatomaceous earth is just as hazardous to respiratory health as asbestos, so use with caution.

  For rodent control, mix one part plaster of Paris with one part flour. Add cocoa powder and sugar. Place a container of this dry mixture in areas where rodents are active. The plaster of Paris reacts with moisture within rodents, fatally blocking their digestive system.

  Additionally, maintaining a clean home will reduce the likelihood of attracting pests. If you’re dealing with a serious infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for assistance.

Health and Safety

• Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?
  Yes, the safety of your family and pets is our top priority. We use EPA-approved products that are labeled with "caution"—the lowest toxicity signal word. These products are safe when applied as directed. However, caution should still be taken, and we recommend keeping children and pets out of treated areas until the product has dried, usually 2-4 hours. After that, it's safe to return. For added peace of mind, we offer non-chemical options like traps and baits. All products we use are registered with the EPA; we can provide EPA numbers upon request for more information on their safety.
• What happens if I touch an area that has been treated?
  If you touch a recently treated area, it may expose you to the pesticide. The risk depends on the product used, but most treatments are designed to be safe once dry. It's important to follow any safety instructions provided, such as avoiding contact with treated surfaces until they have fully dried. If you do touch a treated area, wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
• Are the chemicals you use harmful to the environment?
  We prioritize responsible pest control methods by using EPA-approved products that are designed to minimize environmental impact. The chemicals we apply are selected for their effectiveness and low toxicity, focusing on targeted treatments to reduce harm to beneficial insects, wildlife, and the surrounding environment. We also emphasize non-chemical solutions whenever possible to further protect natural habitats.
• Can pests carry diseases to humans or pets?
  Yes, many pests can carry and transmit diseases to humans and pets. For example, rodents can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella, while mosquitoes can transmit illnesses such as West Nile virus and Zika. Cockroaches and fleas may also carry bacteria or parasites that can affect health. Regular pest control helps reduce these risks by preventing infestations and minimizing exposure to harmful pests.
• What are the health risks of ignoring a pest problem?
  Ignoring a pest problem can lead to health risks such as the spread of diseases (e.g., salmonella, Lyme disease, and hantavirus), allergic reactions from pest droppings or bites, and exposure to parasites like fleas or ticks. Pests like cockroaches and rodents can contaminate food and surfaces, while mosquitoes and other insects may transmit viruses. Timely pest control reduces these health risks and helps maintain a safe, clean environment.

Business-specific questions

• Are your technicians certified and trained?
  Yes, you can see our credentials on this web site.
• Do you guarantee your services?
  Yes. If you are not satisfied with our service, we will return to provide free services or we will return your money.
• What happens if pests return after a treatment?
  No treatment will keep pests away indefinitely, but if pests return within 30 days of treatment, we will return for a free service. Certain pests (mosquitoes, bed bugs, roaches) can develop pesticide resistance. In such cases, we return and re-treat using a different class of insecticide.
• Do you offer service plans or packages?
  We do not offer service plans or packages. Our experience has been that customers are extremely wary of service plans. When we service a site, we do our very best to solve the problem on the first visit. If this is not possible, we clearly communicate that and make specific follow-up recommendations. Our philosophy is that the best person to decide if and when further treatments are needed is the customer.

Seasonal Questions

• Are there more pests during certain times of the year?
  Yes, pest populations often increase during warmer months, especially in spring and summer, when many pests are more active. For example, mosquitoes, ants, and flies thrive in the heat, while rodents may seek shelter indoors as temperatures drop in fall and winter. Seasonal changes, like rain or humidity, can also affect pest activity, with some pests, like termites, being more active after rain.
• What pests should I watch out for in the summer/winter?
  In summer, pests like mosquitoes, ants, flies, bees, wasps, ticks, and fleas are more active due to warmer temperatures. In winter, rodents such as mice and rats often seek shelter indoors, while pests like cockroaches, spiders, and termites may also move inside in search of food and warmth.
• Do I need pest control during the winter months?
  Yes, pest control is still important during the winter months. As temperatures drop, pests like rodents, cockroaches, and spiders often seek warmth and food inside homes. Regular pest control can help prevent infestations, protect your property, and ensure a safe, pest-free environment throughout the colder months.

Specific Pests

• How do I know if I have bed bugs?
  Signs of a bed bug infestation include red, itchy bites on your skin, often in a linear or clustered pattern, typically on exposed areas like arms and legs. You may also notice small dark spots (fecal matter) on bedding or furniture, as well as a sweet, musty odor. Bed bugs are nocturnal, so you might find them hiding in cracks, crevices, or seams of mattresses and furniture during the day. If you notice these signs, it's important to contact a pest control professional for a thorough inspection.
• What attracts ants to my home?
  Ants are attracted to your home primarily by food and water sources. Sweet foods, crumbs, grease, and garbage are common attractants. They also seek moisture, so areas like bathrooms and kitchens can draw them in. Additionally, ants may enter your home through cracks and gaps in walls, windows, or doors, especially if they smell food or water inside. Keeping your home clean and sealed can help deter ants from invading.
• How do I get rid of rodents in my attic?
  To get rid of rodents in your attic, start by identifying and sealing any entry points, such as gaps around vents, chimneys, and eaves. Use steel wool or caulk to block small holes. Next, set traps or use rodent bait stations to capture and remove the rodents. Ensure the attic is kept clean and free of food sources that might attract them. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a pest control professional to assess the situation and implement more advanced removal and prevention methods.
• Why do I have cockroaches even though I keep my house clean?
  Cockroaches can be brought into your home as "hitchhikers" on items like groceries, luggage, or second-hand furniture, even in a clean environment. They are also attracted to moisture, warmth, and small food sources, and can hide in cracks and crevices. Once inside, they reproduce quickly, causing a small problem to grow into a larger infestation. Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and professional pest control are key to eliminating cockroaches and preventing future infestations.
• What’s the best way to get rid of wasps or hornets?
  Locate and treat the nest. Be careful! We wear bee suits when we treat them.

Payment and Policies

• Do you offer payment plans?
  We do not offer payment plans. Payment in full at the time of service.
• What payment methods do you accept?
  Cash, checks and credit cards.
• Do you offer discounts for recurring customers?
  If you are a recurring customer or book multiple services in one visit, yes.
• What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
  We ask that you cancel at least one day in advance.
• Do you provide warranties on your services?
  We do not offer written warranties, but if you are not satisfied with our service, we will return and provide free service or return your money.