Austin and Houston have currently ranked as the fourth and fifth “buggiest” cities in the nation! 

From ants and mosquitos to roaches and termites, all kinds of pests are present in Texas homes.

If you wait until bugs or other critters have already infiltrated your home, it’s trickier to get rid of them. That’s why regular pest control services are so valuable. 

How often should pest control be carried out? How do you choose the best pest control company for your property? Find out below.

Benefits of regular pest control services

When you schedule regular pest control services throughout the year — rather than waiting until your house is crawling with spiders or you’re slapping mosquitos away every night — you and your loved ones can enjoy numerous benefits. The following are some of the most noteworthy ones:

Prevent serious pest problems

The more pests are present in your home — or if you’re dealing with multiple problematic creatures at once — the harder it will be to eliminate them.

By prioritizing pest control maintenance and arranging regular treatments, you can avoid major infestations and the challenges that accompany them (e.g., the spreading of germs, the risk of structural damage to your home, etc.). 

Reduce exposure to diseases

Spiders, silverfish, and other pests aren’t just unsightly. They also carry various diseases that can affect you and your loved ones.

For example, cockroaches and rodents can spread bacteria like E. coli and salmonella throughout your home. With their droppings, shed skins, and the extra dirt and dust they produce, pests may also trigger allergies or respiratory issues (especially in sensitive populations). 

Protect pets

Your pets are vulnerable to pest infestations, too. For example, dogs and cats may suffer from skin irritation, hair loss, muscle pain, or seizures if exposed to fleas and ticks (and the illnesses they spread). 

Regular treatments help to keep fleas, ticks, and other pests away from your pets. They also save you from adding a sick pet and expensive vet bills to your list of concerns.  

Enjoy a cleaner, healthier home

A pest-free home is a healthy and hygienic home.

Think about it. Insects, rodents, and other pests can track all kinds of dirt, grime, and germs into your house. They also leave messes behind in the form of droppings, shed shells, etc.

Regular pest control treatments save you from spending extra time and energy scrubbing your home (or worrying about what kinds of germs and being spread around without you knowing).  

Save money

Generally, it’s more cost-effective to schedule regular pest control services rather than waiting until an infestation occurs.

Many preventative maintenance programs charge a first-time treatment fee and then lower monthly payments to keep your home clean and pest-free.

These fees are often far lower than what they would charge if you faced an active infestation spread throughout your property. 

Save time

Maintenance pest control treatments also take less time to execute than treatments for active, widespread infestations.

If someone comes to your house quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly, their treatments will be much easier and more efficient than if they have to handle a severe infestation.

It’s also easier to plan around these treatments when they’re prescheduled. You’ll know when the technician is coming and can adjust your schedule accordingly rather than trying to shuffle things around at the last minute.

Enjoy peace of mind

Finally, regularly scheduled pest control treatments give you peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing your home is being cared for by skilled, experienced pest control professionals who have been trained to spot and manage all kinds of pests.

When you arrange for ongoing maintenance, you’ll also know that you have someone to call if you notice anything that seems off or have questions in between treatments.

Say you suspect you have a  rodent problem. In this case, you’ll already have a pest control professional programmed into your phone who can assist.

Because you’re already working with a pest control team, you won’t have to frantically search online to find a company that can come and take a look at your property on short notice.

How often do you need pest control?

Most experts recommend, for green pest control, bi-monthly pest control services. This is based on the natural break down of the botanical products that are used in green pest control services. The breakdown for synthetic chemical pest control can be up to 90 days, but they can have increased risk to pets and people over botanically based pest control products.

Suppose a technician comes to your property at least once every other month. In that case, those visits can help prevent pests from setting up shop in your home. They also allow you to tackle potential issues early — before they escalate into more serious challenges.

Bi-Monthly services are the general recommendation. However, several factors can influence your home’s pest control treatment frequency, including the following:

Property type

Pest control professionals make frequency recommendations based, in part, on the size and type of property they’re treating.

For example, a restaurant might need more frequent treatments than a single-family home. After all, restaurants handle large volumes of food and have large dumpsters located in the back or side of their buildings (these things are more likely to attract rodents, roaches, and other pests). 

Pest type

The type (or types) of pests that have set up residence in your home will also impact the frequency of your treatments. Resilient insects like roaches may need more frequent treatments to be kept at bay compared to other insects like ants.

Infestation severity

Initially, your home may require more frequent treatments to get a severe infestation (or one that has been going on for a long time) under control. Then, once the pests have been successfully vanquished, you can decrease the treatment frequency (while still keeping up with a regular schedule).   

Location

The climate in your city and state can also affect your pest control recommendations.

In cities like Houston and Austin, with warm temperatures and high humidity most of the year, pests are more prevalent. As a result, you may need to plan for monthly or bimonthly treatments to keep your property secure. 

Keep in mind, too, that pest control is essential year-round, even when winter hits and temperatures drop. Many pests become more focused on getting inside your house in cold weather, meaning you’ll need to be even more vigilant about protecting your property from them. 

What to look for in a pest control service

If you’re going to pay for regular pest control treatments, you should know that you’re working with a trustworthy pest control company. These tips can help you choose a reputable business that will have your and your family’s best interests in mind:

Consider service types

Start by looking at the pest control company’s website and consider the types of services they offer.

What kinds of pests do they handle? Are they equipped to deal with various infestations, such as rodents, roaches, spiders, mosquitos, and ants? Can they manage interior animal trapping or more troubling issues like termites?

Make sure the company can deal with the types of issues you’re facing before you hire them and ask them to treat your home regularly. 

Ask about pest control products

Before you agree to work with a particular pest control provider, ask about the kinds of products they will use on your home.

If possible, look for experts that utilize botanical-based pest control products. These products are safer for you, your family, and your pets than other harsh chemicals. They’re also better for the planet.

Are you worried that green pest control products aren’t strong enough for your problem? Think again. 

These products are just as effective without sacrificing your and your loved one’s health and safety.

Read reviews

Always read reviews and testimonials when choosing a pest control company. Look for providers that have plenty of five-star reviews.

If you’re trying to find a pest control service to treat your business or another commercial property, you can also check and see if they have worked on properties like yours in the past. If other restaurant owners, apartment complex managers, or other professionals are satisfied with their service, it’s likely you will be as well.

Ask about availability

Nobody wants to wait days or weeks to deal with a pest problem. Look for a pest control company that can respond promptly to your request and treat your home as soon as possible. If they offer same-day or next-day treatment, that’s even better!

Consider costs

Finally, look for a provider with a transparent pricing system. Remember, too, that cheaper isn’t always better. Spending a little extra on pest control services may be worthwhile to keep your home clean and sanitary and increase your peace of mind.

Schedule regular pest control services today

Don’t wait until your house is teeming with termites or crawling with cockroaches. Prioritize regular pest control treatments now so you can enjoy a pest-free home year-round.

If you’re struggling with various types of pests, or if you want to trust that your technician uses eco-friendly, safe products, work with us at Natran Green Pest Control. 
Contact us today to schedule an inspection. Remember, if you call before 2 pm, we can likely get to your property the same day!