How Long Does Pest Control Last?
The Guide To Pest Control Application Duration
Pests like ants, roaches, mice, and flies can quickly invade a home. Getting rid of them requires professional pest control treatments.
The big question we get in the pest control industry is, once you have pest control done, how long will it be effective? The answer depends on a few key factors.
General pest control solutions target specific types of pests. Insecticides are used for bugs and rodenticides are used for mice and rats. The formulation of the product also matters. Liquids, solids, powders, gels and other forms work in different ways. Weather is another consideration, especially for outdoor treatments. Heavy rain can decrease effectiveness.
For indoor insect treatments, liquid sprays offer immediate but short-term relief while long-lasting solid baits may take 2-3 weeks to fully work. A typical professional pest control service for cockroaches, spiders, ants, silverfish and other crawling insects provides coverage that lasts 6-12 weeks. Fly and mosquito treatments work faster but wear off in about a month. Mice and rat poisons are meant to be continually consumed, so those last only as long as rodents keep eating the bait food, usually a few days.
In general, a thorough pest control treatment for common pests by a professional exterminator will provide a minimum 90 days of protection. But severity of the pest infestation also plays a role. A heavy invasion requires more applications over a longer time frame. Ongoing preventative treatments every 90 days are ideal for keeping pests at bay for good.
It Takes Time for Treatments to Take Effect
When pest control treatments are first applied, it takes some time for them to take full effect. For example, sprays kill bugs on contact, but baits and traps need pests to consume or enter them. So those can take a couple weeks to start working. However, baits and traps then provide control for a longer time. A pest exterminator will know which products are fast acting or long lasting.
Homeowners can’t expect a single pest control treatment to permanently get rid of an infestation, especially a severe one. It often requires multiple applications spread out over months. In addition to professional treatments, good sanitation and sealing up cracks around the home are important to deny pests food and shelter.
Outdoor pest control is especially prone to weathering damage. Yard sprays and perimeter treatments won’t last as long when exposed to regular rainfall, watering, or sunshine. So outdoor treatments might need reapplying every 60 days. Tree and shrub sprays last longer – up to 90 days – because they are more protected.
How much insecticide is applied makes a difference in how long it lasts.
Some pesticides leave residue that stays effective for weeks. Others may only kill household pests for a couple months. It depends on the type of pest. Temperature, air flow, moisture and light also change how long treatments last. Pest control experts pick the right insecticides based on these things. There are short-acting sprays, longer lasting baits, fogs, dusts, granules, low toxic chemicals and more. Each is designed for certain pests or conditions. These also plays a part in the warranty length a pest control company provides.
For minor issues, one thorough treatment by pest exterminators can provide control for up to 6 months. But major infestations often need monthly applications for 3-6 months to knock out the population. Ant and Cockroach invasions are so persistent that quarterly treatments are typical. No single pest control application can eliminate a widespread, entrenched pest problem. For rats and mice they require more frequent treatments. This could mean treating every couple of weeks or a monthly visit. Less sever infestations can be terated on a quarterly basis.
However, more destructive pests like termites require more thorough and repeated treatments. It’s generally recommended that homes be treated for termites every 1-5 years. With the frequency depending on the severity of the infestation and termite treatment type used.
Maintaining the property is key. Regular inspections and follow-up treatments as needed to control the duration of treatment. Consistent applications aligned to the pest’s reproduction cycle are important. This way you can completely remove an infestation over time.
Conclusion
Remember, prevention is the best . If you schedule a regular maintenance plan, the frequency that you need pest control services should be longer.
If you are still in doubt contact your nearest local pest controller for more information.
If you’re curious about how much does pest control cost or how often it should be done please follow the links to learn more.
