Pest Control Questions, Answered in Plain English

Questions and answers

How do I keep pests from coming back after treatment?

Fix it, then protect it. Seal small gaps around pipes, doors and vents. Keep food in closed containers. Fix leaks, since pests love water. Trim plants away from the walls. Clear clutter from garages and sheds. Ask the provider about a maintenance plan, such as a visit every few months. Regular checks catch small problems early, before they grow into a new infestation in your Palo Alto home.

What should I expect during a pest control visit?

The provider will usually start by looking at your home, inside and out. They check for signs like droppings, chew marks, mud tubes (small dirt tunnels termites build) and nests. Then they explain what they found and what they suggest. You get a price and a plan before work starts. Ask about the products used, and whether kids or pets need to stay out for a while. Visit length varies by home and pest.

How much does pest control cost?

Costs vary by pest, home size and how bad the problem is. In the U.S., a one-time visit for common pests often runs from about $100 to $300. Ongoing plans are often billed monthly or quarterly. Termite and wildlife jobs can cost much more, sometimes into the thousands. Prices differ by provider, so get a written quote. Ask what is included, and whether repeat visits cost extra.

Will my homeowners insurance pay for pest damage?

Often not. Most policies treat pests, termites and slow damage as maintenance issues. Some policies may cover sudden damage from a related event, so check your policy or ask your agent. Providers can often help document damage with notes and photos for a claim. Keep every report and receipt. Ask your insurer what proof they need before you start any repair work.

How do I know if an exterminator is trustworthy?

Ask before you hire. Ask if they are licensed in your state and carry insurance. Ask for the quote in writing. Ask what products they use and what happens if pests return. A good answer is clear and specific. Red flags include pressure to sign today, no written quote, a price that changes at the door, or vague answers about the treatment.

Are the treatments safe for kids and pets?

Many treatments are used safely around families when the provider follows the label. Still, ask. Ask which products they plan to use, where they will apply them, and how long people and pets should stay away. Ask about options with less chemical use, like sealing entry points or traps. A careful provider answers calmly and gives you simple steps to follow.

Does Criticalproperly Pest Control do the pest work itself?

No. Criticalproperly Pest Control is a referral service. We connect homeowners in the Palo Alto area with independent providers in our network. The provider does the work, sets the price and handles the service. You send a request, and a local provider contacts you. Submitting a request does not commit you to anything. You choose whether to hire.

What happens if I need wildlife or rodent removal?

Mice, rats and larger animals need a different plan than ants or roaches. A provider finds how the animal gets in, removes it, and then seals the entry. That last step matters most. Without it, new animals often return. Rules for wildlife vary by state, so ask the provider how they handle removal. Ask about cleanup of droppings and nesting too.