FAQ
Please browse our frequently asked questions, and feel free to call us if your question is not answered here. We are always here to help!
Ants
How much weight can ants carry?
Ants can carry up to 50 times their body weight and are built to withstand heavy loads.
How many types of ants are there?
Scientists have described over 12,000 species of ants throughout the world! In our area, we focus on house ants, pavement ants, pharaoh ants, and carpenter ants.
How do ants communicate?
Ants are able to communicate through releasing pheromones with specific messages, which other ants are able to sense with their antennae.
Are all ants pests?
Ants are a key component of many ecosystems and serve many roles, some of which humans can benefit from. Ants not only eat other insects, but they help to disperse seeds and pollinate plants.
Where can I learn more about ants?
Please visit pestworld.org for their helpful article, "Ants 101: A Guide to Identifying Common Types of Ant Species."
Cockroaches
What do cockroaches eat?
Not only do cockroaches eat normal human food, but they feed on a variety of substances that we may not normally consider to be food. These substances include grease, glue, soap, hair, and toothpaste.
Where can I learn more about cockroaches?
For a guide to American Cockroaches, please visit Wikipedia for their helpful article on the American Cockroach.
For a guide to German Cockroaches, please visit cockroachfacts.com for their helpful article on the German Cockroach.
Rodents
What can help control mice long-term?
A key to successfully control mice infestations long-term is to limit available shelter and food sources wherever possible. Trapping and baiting systems can help to control numbers as well.
Where can I learn more about rodents?
Learn more about the house mouse through UC IPM's guide to the house mouse.
Learn more about Norway rats through Networx's Eight Facts About Norway Rats article.
Bed Bugs
Do Bug Bombs work for treating bed bugs?
A recent study has found that bug bombs are no match for bed bugs! Read more in the featured Time article here.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
It can be hard to tell if you have bed bugs, as they are good at hiding, are small, and only come out for short periods of time. Some key signs to look out for are waste on your mattress, bites on your skin, or catching them using double-sided carpet tape. Please read this helpful article for signs that you might have bed bugs.
Did I get bed bugs because I didn't keep my house clean?
No. This is an urban legend - people tend to think that bed bugs are attracted to people with poor hygiene or houses that are left in a mess. It doesn't matter how spotless your place is. An infestation can occur anywhere, and cleaning up won't help prevent them. The important thing to remember here is a warning for travelers. It doesn't matter how fancy your hotel is, or how clean it looks - bed bugs aren't attracted to dirt, they want people. There's obviously some correlation - a run-down hotel is less likely to pay to get them removed. But you can't just look at a place and tell that it's safe. And no matter how much you clean your own house, you won't get rid of them. They can hide in tiny crevices of your furniture or other belongings, and they'll keep after you until you get them treated.
Where can I learn more about bed bugs?
The American Camp Association has a great article, titled "Over 201 Things to Know about Bed Bugs". Read the article here.
There are many myths surrounding bed bugs. Below are a couple of good resources to review myths and facts about bed bugs.
Termites
I think I may have termites (or other wood destroying insects) in my home. How can I be sure?
Call a licensed pest control firm (RPC & Services) to inspect, and always get a second or third opinion. If you can collect a specimen of the insect you may wish to take it to the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service Home and Garden Information Center for identification.
What is the proper way to treat a home for termites using Termidor HE?
The basic principle in treating for subterranean termites is to establish a continuous chemical barrier in the soil immediately adjacent to the foundation walls, both on the interior and exterior of the structure. This is normally accomplished by injecting the chemical (termiticide) beneath the soil. The treatment methods will vary depending on the construction of the structure. The methods used are slightly different for homes with basements as opposed to those with crawl spaces or those with slab on ground construction. The amount of termiticide used will also depend on the size of the structure to be treated.
Once my home is treated, am I guaranteed against reinfestation of termites?
Even if your home is treated, no one can guarantee that you will never have a termite problem again. Termites only need a small gap in the chemical barrier to continue to gain access to your home. If the soil around the home is disturbed, it can affect the chemical barrier and allow access for termites. For this reason, most pest control firms give a one or a 5 year renewable warranty on termite work. Typically, the warranty states that if a reinfestation occurs during the lifetime of the warranty they will retreat at no cost to the consumer. Additionally, some firms also offer repair warranties at considerable cost that give coverage for termite damage that occurs after their treatment. Be sure you read and understand any warranty that is offered.
General
What products do you use for termite and ant control?
We use Termidor® SC Termiticide/Insecticide and Fipronil (TERMIDOR). Termidor SC termiticide/insecticide is applied to the exterior perimeter foundation and can target additional perimeter pests like box elder bugs, pillbugs, centipedes, cockroaches, house crickets, millipedes, silverfish, and brown dog ticks. Please contact us for more information.
Are there any additional helpful articles I can review?
Below is an additional recommended article:
"Termites and Ants". This article also covers carpenter bees, beetles, and general information regarding wood destroying insects.