Are bed bugs common in D.C.?
Washington, D.C., has ranked high on reports that identified the top bed bug cities in the country. Bed bugs can be difficult to eliminate due to their fast reproduction. Anyone with bed bug problems should refer to the DC Health Department’s directions on bed bug control and contact a top-rated bed bug exterminator in the D.C. area.
How do I choose a pest control company in DC?
First, conduct an online search to identify the best exterminators in Washington, DC. Read pest control reviews to get a feel for each company’s quality of work and customer service. Exterminator reviews may also include before and after photos. These images could be good indicators of the companies’ quality of work, so take the time to inspect them closely.
Pesticide applicators in DC require a pesticide license, according to the Department of Energy and Environment. Before you hire an exterminator, make sure they are properly licensed.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask for quotes from several DC pest control companies. Getting an accurate quote will help you budget for pest control services and help ensure you’re not overpaying.
What kind of pests and bugs are in DC?
Ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, termites and stinging insects are among the common home invaders in the nation’s capital.
To control your pest or bug problem, reach out to the best exterminators in DC today. An exterminator can also take steps to help prevent these pests from invading your home if they haven’t already.
What are the signs of pests in your home?
Signs of pest infestations vary by the type of pest. Here are a few signs to watch out for when it comes to some of the most common pests:
- Ants: Stray ants walking around or large numbers congregating, wood shavings, ants emerging from hidden crevices, ant nests
- Rats or mice: Droppings, chewed objects and wires, scampering noises, holes in walls and floors
- Cockroaches: Cylindrical droppings, brown smear marks, live cockroaches
- Fleas: Small and dark spots on your pet’s skin, your pet starts scratching excessively, pepper-like “flea dirt” in bedding, carpet or furniture
- Bed bugs: Droppings in the seams of your mattress, rusty/reddish stains on bed sheets, bites on your skin
- Termites: Mud tubes, wood-scented droppings, small holes in walls, peeling or bubbling paint, wood damage
- Bees or wasps: Excessive number of bees and wasps, dark patches on the walls or ceilings, and papery nests or hives under roof eaves, behind shutters, on balconies or in garden sheds
If you notice any of these signs in your house, contact the best exterminators near you.
How often should pest control be done?
This depends on several factors, including:
- The type of pest
- The severity of the invasion
- Your home’s characteristics
- The quality of the pest control company’s work
In some cases, you might require pest control services three to four times a year. Or, you might need services monthly or every few months.
Talk to the best exterminators near you to get an idea of what type of service you need — and how many times you’ll need follow-up treatments.
How much does it cost to get rid of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are not only ugly, they are difficult to get rid of. Quick and resilient, they can be hard to get rid of without professional help once they have inhabited a house. Nationally, the average range for cockroach pest control cost is $80-$130. Extermination professionals typically provide a free estimate to determine the extent of the infestation. They’ll check for the main sources of the bugs, identify bug access and entry points into your home, and determine the best method for elimination. There are a variety of cockroach extermination tools including gel baits and traps, pesticide foggers, desiccants (which dry out the cockroaches), neurotoxins, and other pesticides. Pest control costs can also cover preventive measures like regular spraying and trap maintenance. Some regions of the country are much more prone to cockroach problems than others, so pest control costs may need to be part of your quarterly budget. Cockroaches love dark, humid, and warm areas and water sources, so place traps near your washer and dryer and under your sinks.
Do I need to leave the house for pest control?
It depends on the type of pest control service you require. Your exterminator can often tell you beforehand which products they’ll be using and where they’ll be applying it.
If the pest control company will be applying toxic chemicals, limit your exposure, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. For example, consider leaving your house during application and ventilate your home thoroughly when you return. And always keep your pets and their supplies away from the applied pesticides.
Talk to pest control companies near you for advice on what you should do while they’re treating your home for pests.
How do you get rid of ants?
The best way to get rid of ants is to hire an ant exterminator near you. The exterminator can also help you find the source of the problem that’s drawing ants into your home.
After they’re done treating your home, you can invest in ant baits to keep infestations at bay. It’s also important to take preventative steps to avoid ants.
For example, always clean up crumbs and wipe down surfaces to eliminate potential food sources. Regularly take out the trash, fix leaky pipes, store your food in sealed containers and seal cracks near your kitchen cabinets.
Here are more tips on how to get rid of ants (for good).
Is monthly pest control necessary?
Monthly pest control service is only necessary for certain situations. For example, severe ant or cockroach infestations may require monthly pest control in order to destroy the infestations at the source.
Talk to the best exterminators near you to get an idea of what type of service you need — and how many times you’ll need follow-up treatments.
How much does it cost to kill bed bugs?
The cost of bed bug extermination depends primarily on how widespread the pest infestation is and how many rooms need to be treated. Other factors that can affect bed bug extermination costs are the amount of clutter in the location, additional furniture that needs to be treated, and construction of the home. Pest management professionals often have rates for room treatments, which can vary based on these factors. As an example, a pest management company treating a 10-by-15-foot room with light infestation might charge clients about $250, while the same size room with a heavy infestation and large amounts of clutter might cost the clients $300-$400. Clutter and heavier bed bug populations mean more product and longer labor time for the workers. Rates will vary from company to company, and from region to region, but the national average bed bug extermination cost is $320-$400. Bed bug heat treatments are an alternative way to exterminate these pests. Heat treatments are typically charged per square foot and tend to cost more than chemical or non-chemical spray solutions. Although effective, they are not usually recommended for occupied spaces, as the extreme temperatures can damage televisions, window dressings and other home furnishings.