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General Pest Control Questions

Affordable Pest Control offers free inspections for homes and businesses within our service area. Please request a free quote from us for an accurate answer for your specific situation.

Yes, pest control is necessary for several reasons:

  • Health risks: Pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and mosquitoes can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. For example, rodents can spread salmonella and hantavirus, while mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and malaria.
  • Property damage: Pests can also cause significant damage to property. For example, termites can destroy wooden structures, rodents can chew through wiring and insulation, and ants can damage electronics.
  • Food safety: Pests can contaminate food and other products, causing potential health hazards for consumers.
  • Aesthetics: Pests can be unsightly and detract from the appearance of a property, especially if they are visible to customers or visitors.

Professional pest control services can effectively eliminate pests and prevent future infestations, reducing the risk of health hazards, property damage, and unsightly appearances. Regular pest control can also help identify and address potential pest problems before they become severe, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or replacement of damaged property. Overall, pest control is necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment for people and pets and protect property from damage.

Pests can enter your home in a variety of ways, including:

  • Through cracks and gaps: Pests such as rodents, ants, and cockroaches can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in the walls, foundation, and roof.
  • Open windows and doors: Pests can enter through open windows, doors, and other openings in your home.
    Pipes and wires: Pests can enter your home through gaps around pipes, wires, and other openings in the walls.
  • Pet food and water: Leaving pet food and water out can attract pests such as ants, roaches, and rodents.
  • Clutter: Pests such as rodents and insects can find shelter in cluttered areas such as attics, basements, and storage areas.
  • Plants and trees: Trees and plants that touch the roof or exterior walls of your home can provide a pathway for pests to enter.
  • Secondhand furniture: Pests such as bed bugs can hitch a ride into your home on secondhand furniture.

To prevent pests from entering your home, it’s important to seal any cracks and gaps in your walls, foundation, and roof, keep doors and windows closed, and maintain proper food storage and cleanliness. Regular pest control services can also help prevent and address any potential pest problems before they become severe.

As a locally owned and operated company, we know the importance of receiving high quality, personalized services. We are committed to providing service to customers in San Tan Valley and surrounding East Valley communities including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and Queen Creek, AZ.

We offer free estimates for all of our services and will work with you to determine which treatment plan best fits your needs. We provide pest control services for a range of pests found in Arizona including cockroaches, scorpions, ants, black widows, spiders, crickets, earwigs, springtails, millipedes, centipedes, bees, wasps, and more.

We treat all common crawling Arizona pests, as well as flying pests like mosquitoes, wasps, and flies. Crawling general pests include scorpions, spiders, crickets, roaches, ants, sow bugs, silverfish, fleas, and ticks.

You can learn more about the type of pests we treat, as well as our treatment recommendations, by visiting our Pest Library.

Length of treatment will vary depending on the size of your home and property and whether or not we are doing an interior baseboard treatment as well. For a full treatment including interior and exterior, it will take approximately 25 minutes.

The pesticide we use begins to work immediately. It is not uncommon to see many dead bugs immediately following the first service. This means we have flushed out the bugs from their hiding places.

The pesticide we use will last 40-60 days. This is why we do not recommend services any further apart than Bi-Monthly (every other month).

Cost varies depending on the size of your home and property and whether you are doing pest prevention or already dealing with an infestation of some kind. Please request a free quote from us for an accurate answer for your specific situation.

Yes. We only use EPA Certified pesticides that are labeled for residential and commercial use. The pesticide label is the law in our industry and we strictly adhere to the acceptable uses, areas and amounts to be used stated on each pesticide label.

For immediate help with pesticide exposure, contact National Emergency Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 and/or National Pesticide Information at (800) 858-7378 .

Investing in professional pest control services can provide numerous benefits for both residential and commercial property owners. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Effective pest control: Professional pest control services are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to effectively and efficiently eliminate pests from your property. They can identify the type of pest and the extent of the infestation, and use appropriate methods to eliminate them.
  • Preventive measures: Professional pest control services can also provide preventive measures to ensure that pests do not return to your property. They can identify potential entry points for pests and recommend ways to seal them off, reducing the likelihood of future infestations.
  • Health and safety: Pests can carry diseases and pose a health risk to humans and pets. Professional pest control services can eliminate these risks and protect the health and safety of those on the property.
  • Save money: Investing in professional pest control services can actually save you money in the long run. Effective pest control can prevent damage to property and prevent the need for costly repairs. Additionally, regular pest control services can help identify and prevent potential pest problems before they become severe.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your property is free from pests can provide peace of mind and reduce stress and anxiety associated with dealing with infestations on your own.

Overall, investing in professional pest control services can provide numerous benefits for property owners, including effective pest control, preventive measures, improved health and safety, cost savings, and peace of mind.

Termites

Preventing a termite infestation in Arizona requires a combination of proactive measures and regular inspections by a professional pest control service. Here are some tips for preventing a termite infestation:

  • Keep wood away from your home: Avoid storing wood, mulch, or other cellulose-based materials near your home as they can attract termites.
  • Keep your home dry: Termites are attracted to moisture, so repair any leaks or water damage in your home and ensure proper drainage around the foundation.
  • Regularly inspect your home: Regularly inspect your home for any signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, or wood damage.
  • Seal entry points: Seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation, walls, or roof to prevent termites from entering.
  • Use termite-resistant materials: When building or renovating your home, consider using termite-resistant materials such as concrete or steel.
  • Schedule regular termite inspections: Even if you don’t see any signs of termite activity, it’s important to schedule regular inspections by a professional pest control service to detect any potential issues early.
  • Consider preventative treatments: Professional pest control services can provide preventative treatments such as soil treatments or bait stations to help prevent termite infestations before they occur.

By taking these preventative measures and working with a professional pest control service, you can help prevent a termite infestation in your Arizona home or business.

Subterranean termites can be very serious and can cause significant damage to wooden structures if left untreated. Here are some reasons why subterranean termites are considered a serious pest:

  • They can cause extensive damage: Subterranean termites eat through wood from the inside out, causing significant damage to the structure of your home or building. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left untreated.
  • They are difficult to detect: Subterranean termites live underground and often enter buildings through hidden access points, making them difficult to detect until significant damage has already been done.
  • They can cause safety hazards: If subterranean termites damage the structural integrity of a building, it can create safety hazards for those inside, such as collapse or injury from falling objects.
  • They can impact property value: A termite infestation can significantly lower the value of your property if it is not treated and the damage is not repaired.
  • They can attract other pests: Subterranean termite infestations can attract other pests that feed on wood, such as carpenter ants or beetles, which can cause additional damage.

Overall, subterranean termites are a serious pest that should not be ignored. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service as soon as possible to inspect your property and determine the best course of action to prevent further damage.

If your neighbor has termites, it does increase the risk of termites spreading to your home or property. Termites are social insects and can move from one location to another, making it easy for them to spread from one property to another. Here are some reasons why your home may be at risk if your neighbor has termites:

  • Shared soil: Subterranean termites live underground and can move from one location to another through soil. If your home shares soil with your neighbor’s property, termites can easily move from their property to yours.
  • Close proximity: If your home is located in close proximity to your neighbor’s property, termites can move from their property to yours simply by crawling from one structure to another.
  • Infestation severity: If your neighbor’s property has a severe termite infestation, it increases the likelihood that termites will spread to your property.
  • Shared structures: If your home shares structures with your neighbor’s property, such as a common wall, roof, or foundation, it increases the risk of termite infestations spreading.

If you have concerns about termites in your area or if your neighbor has a known termite infestation, it’s important to schedule regular inspections by a professional pest control service to detect any potential issues early and take preventative measures to protect your property.

Subterranean termites are a common problem in Phoenix, Arizona, and here are some warning signs to look out for:

  • Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to protect themselves as they travel from their nest to their food source. These tubes are typically found near the foundation of a structure and can be a sign of an active termite infestation.
  • Swarmers: Subterranean termites will often swarm in the spring, usually after a rain. These swarmers are winged and will emerge from their nest in search of a mate and a new location to build a colony.
  • Wood Damage: Subterranean termites will eat through wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of wood or paint on the surface. If you tap or knock on an area of wood and it sounds hollow, it could be a sign of termite damage.
  • Sagging Floors or Ceilings: As subterranean termites eat through wooden structures, it can weaken them, causing floors or ceilings to sag or feel spongy.
  • Discarded Wings: After mating, subterranean termite swarmers will shed their wings. Finding discarded wings around windowsills, doorways, and other entry points can indicate a termite infestation.
  • Presence of Mud or Dirt in Crawlspace or Basement: If you have a crawlspace or basement, check for the presence of mud or dirt as it can indicate the presence of subterranean termites.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service as soon as possible to inspect your property and determine the extent of the infestation. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further damage and save you time and money in the long run.

When APC does a termite treatment for you, the first step is an inspection. Once we inspect and measure the treatment area, we provide a proposal and diagram in writing. A treatment may include trenching soft soil and applying termiticide around the foundation of your home. It could also include a sub-slab termiticide injection in patios and porches. It may also include a wall foam treatment for interior areas.

The exact treatment plan will be determined once an inspection has been done. APC cannot provide a verbal quote for a termite treatment – an in-person inspection and measurement must be done.

Another important note is that APC only uses Termidor products for our termite treatments, which is well known as the best and most effective termiticide on the market.

During a termite inspection, it is not always possible to find all termites, especially if they are hidden or have not yet caused visible damage. However, a professional pest control service will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to detect any potential termite activity and identify areas where termites are likely to be present.

The inspection will typically involve a visual examination of the exterior and interior of your home, including the foundation, walls, roof, and other areas where termites are likely to be found. The inspector may also use specialized equipment, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, or borescopes, to detect hidden termite activity.

However, it’s important to note that even the most thorough termite inspection cannot guarantee that all termites have been detected. Subterranean termites, for example, can live underground and enter buildings through hidden access points, making them difficult to detect until significant damage has already been done.

If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service as soon as possible to inspect your property and determine the best course of action to prevent further damage. Regular inspections by a professional can also help detect potential termite activity before it becomes a serious problem.

When APC is treating your home on a regular basis, our technicians have been trained to look for any signs of termite activity every time they are there. However, in addition to this, we recommend an annual inspection to be sure that a termite colony hasn’t started in an area that we don’t see on a regular basis.

Yes, pest control is still necessary during the winter months in Phoenix, AZ. While some pests may be less active during the winter, others can still be a problem, and it’s important to take preventative measures to keep your home or business pest-free year-round.

Here are some pests that can be active during the winter months in Phoenix and may require pest control services:

  • Rodents: Mice and rats are common winter pests in Phoenix, as they seek warm shelter and food sources during the colder months.
  • Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be active year-round and are often attracted to warm indoor environments with food and moisture.
  • Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be active year-round and are often brought into homes and businesses through travel or secondhand furniture.
  • Termites: While termites are less active during the winter, they can still cause damage to homes and businesses and should be monitored and treated if detected.
  • Scorpions: While scorpions are more active in the warmer months, they can still be a problem during the winter and can pose a danger to people and pets.

A professional pest control service can provide preventative treatments and regular inspections to help prevent pests from entering your home or business during the winter months in Phoenix, AZ.

Scorpions

It’s possible that more scorpions are found in older homes in Phoenix, but it’s not necessarily a universal rule. Scorpions are attracted to areas with food sources and shelter, and older homes may offer more entry points for scorpions to enter, such as cracks in the foundation or walls. Additionally, older homes may have more clutter or stored items that provide hiding places for scorpions. However, the presence of scorpions is not solely dependent on the age of the home. Newer homes can also have scorpion infestations if they are built in areas with high scorpion populations or if they provide ideal habitats for scorpions. To reduce the risk of scorpion infestations, it’s important to seal up any entry points and keep your living space clean and clutter-free, regardless of the age of your home.

Scorpions can be challenging to get rid of because they are resilient and adaptable creatures. They can survive in a variety of environments and can go for long periods without food or water. Additionally, scorpions can reproduce quickly, which can lead to large infestations if not addressed promptly.

However, it is possible to get rid of scorpions with proper pest control methods. It’s important to identify the type of scorpion you are dealing with and develop a customized plan to eliminate the infestation. Some methods that can be used to control scorpions include sealing up entry points, eliminating potential food sources, and using insecticides or scorpion-specific pesticides.

It’s worth noting that scorpion control can be a continuous process, especially if you live in an area with a high scorpion population like the East Valley. Regular monitoring, preventative measures, and maintenance can help keep scorpions at bay and prevent future infestations. If you’re having trouble getting rid of scorpions on your own, it’s best to consult with a professional pest control company like APC for assistance.

Scorpions can enter homes through small cracks or gaps in windows, doors, or foundations. They can also hitchhike indoors on clothing or items that were outside. Scorpions are attracted to areas with food sources such as insects and other small prey, so if you have an infestation of other pests in your home, this can also attract scorpions. Additionally, scorpions are more common in certain regions, such as the desert Southwest of the United States. The East Valley is an area where scorpions are prevalent, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home and eliminate any potential food sources.

Scorpions in Phoenix, AZ are a serious concern because they are venomous and can deliver painful stings that can be dangerous, especially to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. There are several species of scorpions in Arizona, including the Arizona bark scorpion, which is considered to be the most venomous scorpion in North America.

Symptoms of a scorpion sting can include pain, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, scorpion stings can lead to convulsions, respiratory distress, and even death, although fatalities are rare.

It’s important to take steps to prevent scorpion infestations in your home or yard, such as sealing up entry points and eliminating potential hiding places and food sources. If you suspect a scorpion infestation or have been stung by a scorpion, seek medical attention immediately. It’s also a good idea to consult with a pest control professional for assistance with scorpion control and prevention. A baby/toddler and the elderly are at much higher risk for a severe reaction to a scorpion sting, you should contact a doctor right away if this happens.

Yes, pest control is still necessary during the winter months in Phoenix, AZ. While some pests may be less active during the winter, others can still be a problem, and it’s important to take preventative measures to keep your home or business pest-free year-round.

Here are some pests that can be active during the winter months in Phoenix and may require pest control services:

  • Rodents: Mice and rats are common winter pests in Phoenix, as they seek warm shelter and food sources during the colder months.
  • Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be active year-round and are often attracted to warm indoor environments with food and moisture.
  • Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be active year-round and are often brought into homes and businesses through travel or secondhand furniture.
  • Termites: While termites are less active during the winter, they can still cause damage to homes and businesses and should be monitored and treated if detected.
  • Scorpions: While scorpions are more active in the warmer months, they can still be a problem during the winter and can pose a danger to people and pets.

A professional pest control service can provide preventative treatments and regular inspections to help prevent pests from entering your home or business during the winter months in Phoenix, AZ.

Here are some signs that may indicate a scorpion infestation:

  • Sightings: If you see one or more scorpions in your home or yard, there may be an infestation.
  • Shed skins: Scorpions shed their exoskeletons as they grow, and these skins may be found in areas where scorpions are present.
  • Droppings: Scorpions leave behind feces that may resemble small pellets or elongated blobs. These droppings may be found in areas where scorpions are active.
  • Hiding places: Scorpions prefer to hide in dark, sheltered areas such as cracks, crevices, or under objects such as rocks, logs, or debris.
  • Prey: Scorpions feed on insects and other small prey, so an increase in other pests such as crickets or roaches may indicate a potential food source for scorpions.
  • Sting marks: Scorpion stings can be painful and may leave red marks or welts on the skin. If you or someone in your household has been stung by a scorpion, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

If you suspect a scorpion infestation, it’s important to take steps to address it promptly. Scorpions can be dangerous and their presence in the home or yard can pose a threat to human and pet safety.

As a locally owned and operated company, we know the importance of receiving high quality, personalized services. We are committed to providing service to customers in San Tan Valley and surrounding East Valley communities including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and Queen Creek, AZ.

We offer free estimates for all of our services and will work with you to determine which treatment plan best fits your needs. We provide pest control services for a range of pests found in Arizona including cockroaches, scorpions, ants, black widows, spiders, crickets, earwigs, springtails, millipedes, centipedes, bees, wasps, and more.

We treat all common crawling Arizona pests, as well as flying pests like mosquitoes, wasps, and flies. Crawling general pests include scorpions, spiders, crickets, roaches, ants, sow bugs, silverfish, fleas, and ticks.

You can learn more about the type of pests we treat, as well as our treatment recommendations, by visiting our Pest Library.

Mosquitoes

Yes, a mosquito fogging treatment can be an effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard during mosquito season (March-October). Mosquito fogging involves spraying a pesticide mist that targets adult mosquitoes in outdoor areas where they are known to congregate, such as around trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. The pesticide used in fogging treatments typically kills mosquitoes on contact and provides residual protection for a period of time. Treatments are typically done monthly from March-October for best results.

It’s important to note that mosquito fogging should only be done by a licensed professional like APC who is trained to use the equipment and handle the pesticide safely. While fogging can be an effective way to control mosquitoes, it is not a permanent solution and may need to be repeated monthly to maintain effectiveness.

To help maximize the effectiveness of a mosquito fogging treatment, it’s also important to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around your yard, such as standing water in planters, bird baths, or other containers. Additionally, using personal protective measures such as insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing can help reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes in the east valley are typically attracted to areas with standing water, as this is where they lay their eggs and develop into adults. Mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of standing water, such as in plant saucers, bird baths, or clogged gutters.

Additionally, mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, when temperatures are cooler, so you may be more likely to encounter them during these times. Mosquitoes are also attracted to carbon dioxide, which is exhaled by humans and animals, so being outdoors can also increase your chances of being bitten.

To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, it’s important to eliminate any standing water and take steps to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard. This may include:

  • Emptying and cleaning plant saucers, bird baths, and other containers that collect water
  • Keeping gutters clear of debris to prevent water from pooling
  • Treating swimming pools and hot tubs with appropriate chemicals
  • Using screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using insect repellent when spending time outdoors during peak mosquito activity times
  • Add a monthly mosquito fogging treatment from APC to your regular pest control service plan during mosquito season (March-October)

By taking these steps, you can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and minimize your risk of being bitten.

Ants

APC has a very effective treatment plan for ants, but please keep in mind that they may not be active when we are there for your scheduled service, so you will need to let us know when you see ant mounds and ant trails so we are aware of them.

Ants can be a serious problem in the East Valley, as they can invade homes and businesses in large numbers and cause damage to property. While some types of ants are relatively harmless and can be managed with standard pest control methods, other types of ants can pose a significant threat and require professional pest control services.

Here are some types of ants commonly found in the East Valley of Phoenix, AZ and the potential risks they pose:

  • Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants are large black or red ants that can cause damage to wooden structures by excavating galleries for their nests. If left untreated, carpenter ant infestations can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of buildings.
  • Fire ants: Fire ants are small reddish-brown ants that can deliver a painful sting. Fire ant infestations can be difficult to control, and their stings can cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Argentine ants: Argentine ants are small brown ants that can invade homes and businesses in large numbers. While they are relatively harmless to humans, Argentine ants can contaminate food and damage electrical systems.
  • Harvester ants: Harvester ants are large, red ants that can be aggressive and deliver painful stings. They can also damage gardens and crops by harvesting seeds and eating plant material.

If you have an ant infestation in your home or business, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service to determine the type of ant and the best course of action to control the infestation. A professional pest control service can provide safe and effective treatments to eliminate ant infestations and prevent future infestations from occurring.

Gophers

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At APC, we use the Gopher X machine to treat for gophers. The Gopher X machine emits a powerful carbon monoxide gas underground into the tunnels in a well-controlled manner. The visible smoke of the Gopher X allows our technician to quickly see where gas may be escaping from burrows and then cover the leak with soil. It is a safe and effective method for gopher control that we use at residential and commercial properties.

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