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Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting a Pest Control Professional

Pest Control

Termites

 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 PCO 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 as 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. A professional pest control company, such as Arrow Exterminators, can assist in controlling cockroaches as well as other pests.

3. I’m seeing bugs in my house and they have lots of legs. What could these be?
It sounds like the insects you are seeing could be millipedes. They come from outside and sometimes during heavy rains they will simply come in to escape the rain. Having a professional pest control company treat the outside of your home and eliminate nesting sites, when possible, as well as possibly targeted applications inside are the best ways to control these insects.

4. 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. Sometimes this helps without having to use any insecticides. If insecticides must be used it is important to choose the least toxic material and use the product in full accordance with the products label. You must know the characteristics of the insects that you are trying to control in order to know where to apply the materials.

5. 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.

6. I am a current Arrow customer.  Does your quarterly service control fleas and ticks?
The materials that we use would have some impact on fleas and ticks, however the places that we apply these materials may not be where the ticks or fleas are located or nesting. Please contact your Arrow Service Center and they should be able to modify your service to include treating for fleas and ticks when necessary.

7. 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.

8. Are bedbugs hard to control?
Although bedbugs are elusive, transient and hardy pests they can be controlled with the expertise and constant attention of a pest control professional.

Termites

1. 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.

2. Are there different kinds of termites?
Yes, the three major kinds of termites in the United States are dampwood, drywood and subterranean. Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood; while, drywood 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. When does a homeowner see termites?
Termites swarm in the early spring, depending on their geographical location.

6. 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.

7. Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage.

8. How are termites controlled?
An Arrow pest control professional will come in and treat the problem so that you can live comfortably in your home.

9. What is the most effective type of termite treatment?
Arrow Exterminators and the entire industry are committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. 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.

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

11. How much does a termite treatment cost?
They can range anywhere from $800 to $1,800 dollars, depending on where you live, the construction of your home, severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment recommended. Arrow will provide you with a free estimate.

12. 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 technicians who have been trained and licensed to use them, they pose virtually no risk.

13. 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 Arrow’s trained professionals far surpass what a homeowner could do on their own. Leave it up to our experts for peace of mind. Why risk it?

14. How long does a termite treatment typically take?
Termite treatments typically will take no more than a day.

15. Are termites active above ground and/or below ground in the winter months?
Termites are less active in the winter but are still present in the soil. They actually move lower in the soil to avoid the colder temperature at grade or turf levels. If termites have already gained access to a home, they will continue to forage for cellulose but at a slower pace.