Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions About Pest Control Services
At Prohealth Pest Control, we believe informed homeowners make better decisions when it comes to protecting their homes and families. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about pest control treatments, inspection services, pet safety, scheduling, and pest prevention. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.
Pest Control Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Empty My Kitchen Cupboards Before Organic Pest Control Treatment?
No. In most cases, you do not need to empty your kitchen cupboards. We typically apply targeted gel baits and treatments in areas where pests hide and travel, such as cracks, crevices, hinges, and other harborage areas. Liquid treatments are generally not applied directly to food storage areas. Our technician will provide any specific preparation instructions if needed.
Are My Pets Safe During and After Treatment?
Yes. When applied according to label instructions, our treatment products are designed to be safe for pets and people. As an added precaution, we recommend keeping pets away from treated areas until any products have dried completely and following any instructions provided by your technician.
What Do I Need to Do Before My Pest Control Service?
Preparing your home helps ensure the best possible results. We recommend clearing items away from room edges and baseboards to allow access for inspection and treatment. Clothing, toys, magazines, and other items should be picked up from the floor. Food items should be removed from countertops and tables, and pets should be secured during the service.
Will Organic Pest Control Treatments Affect Humans?
When applied by trained professionals, the products we use are designed to be used safely in residential environments. Many of the materials used in professional pest control are registered for use in sensitive environments such as schools, healthcare facilities, and public buildings. Your technician will provide any recommended precautions specific to your treatment.
Is It Safe To Stay In My Home During Treatment?
In many cases, yes. However, depending on the treatment being performed, we may recommend temporarily leaving the home during service and allowing treated areas to ventilate afterward. Your technician will provide specific guidance based on the products and treatment plan being used.
Will Gel or Bait Applications Contaminate My Food?
No. Gel baits are carefully applied in small amounts to targeted areas where pests hide and travel, such as cracks, crevices, and cabinet hinges. They are not applied directly to food, dishes, or food preparation surfaces.
How Can You Control Pests Inside My Home If Most Treatments Are Applied Outside?
Many common household pests originate outdoors before finding their way inside. After addressing any existing indoor pest activity, our primary focus shifts to treating exterior entry points, nesting areas, and conditions that attract pests. By creating a protective barrier around your home and reducing outdoor pest pressure, we help keep pests from entering in the first place.
Why Should I Hire a Professional Pest Control Company?
Professional pest control helps prevent infestations before they become costly or difficult to manage. Licensed pest management professionals have the training, experience, and tools needed to identify pest activity, locate entry points, and apply treatments safely and effectively.
When selecting a pest control provider, consider:
- Licensing and insurance
- Experience and reputation
- Positive customer reviews
- Membership in professional organizations such as the NPMA
- Clear communication and honest recommendations
- Ongoing service and prevention options
Why Do I Need an Inspection Before Receiving a Price?
Every home, pest problem, and treatment plan is different. A professional inspection allows us to identify the specific pest issue, assess the severity of the infestation, evaluate contributing factors, and develop a customized treatment plan. This helps ensure accurate pricing and more effective results.
What Are Conditions, Avenues, and Sources?
Pests need food, water, and shelter to survive. Conditions, avenues, and sources help explain why pests are attracted to a property and how they gain access.
Conditions are factors that encourage pest activity, such as:
- Standing water
- Poor sanitation around trash areas
- Excess moisture
- Wood stored against the home
Avenues are entry points into the home, such as:
- Cracks and gaps around doors and windows
- Damaged screens
- Openings around utility lines
- Unsealed foundation gaps
Sources are locations where pests originate, including:
- Mulch beds
- Leaf piles
- Dense landscaping
- Unsealed garbage containers
What Health Risks Are Associated With Common Pests?
Many pests can create health concerns through bites, stings, contamination, allergens, or disease transmission.
Cockroaches
- Allergies
- Asthma triggers
- Food contamination
Rodents
- Salmonella
- Rat-bite fever
- Hantavirus exposure
- Food contamination
Mosquitoes
- West Nile Virus
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
- Other mosquito-borne illnesses
Ticks
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Fleas
- Skin irritation and dermatitis
- Murine typhus
Fire Ants
- Painful stings
- Severe allergic reactions
Bees, Wasps, and Yellowjackets
- Painful stings
- Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
When Is the Best Time To Treat for Termites?
The best time to protect your home from termites is before an infestation occurs. Because termites are active year-round in Florida, proactive termite monitoring and protection are recommended. Early detection and preventive treatment can help avoid costly structural damage and repairs.
How Often Should I Have Pest Control Service?
Most Florida homes benefit from ongoing pest control service due to the state’s warm climate and year-round pest activity. Quarterly service is common, although some homes may benefit from more frequent visits depending on pest pressure and environmental conditions.
How Long Does Pest Control Treatment Last?
Treatment longevity varies based on the pest being treated, weather conditions, and property-specific factors. Many treatments provide protection for several weeks to several months and are most effective when combined with ongoing prevention.
What Pests Are Most Common in Florida Homes?
Florida homeowners commonly encounter ants, cockroaches, spiders, rodents, mosquitoes, fleas, termites, silverfish, earwigs, and occasional invaders such as palmetto bugs and millipedes.
Why Am I Still Seeing Pests After Treatment?
It is normal to see some pest activity immediately after treatment. As products begin working, pests may emerge from hiding areas before populations decline. The timeframe varies depending on the pest species and severity of the infestation.
Can Weather Affect Pest Activity?
Yes. Heavy rain, high humidity, drought, and seasonal weather changes can all influence pest behavior. Rain often drives pests indoors, while warm temperatures allow many Florida pests to remain active year-round.
Do You Offer One-Time Pest Control Services?
Yes. We offer both one-time treatments and ongoing pest management programs. During your inspection, we’ll recommend the option that best fits your needs and the pest issue you’re experiencing.
What Can I Do to Prevent Pest Problems Between Services?
Simple prevention steps can make a significant difference:
- Eliminate standing water
- Store food in sealed containers
- Keep trash containers tightly closed
- Trim vegetation away from the home
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows
- Address moisture issues promptly
- Maintain regular pest control service
Schedule Your Pest Inspection Today
Don’t let unwanted pests take over your home. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, ants, termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, or other pest problems, Prohealth Pest Control provides dependable pest control services designed to eliminate infestations and help prevent future issues.
Contact Prohealth Pest Control today to schedule your pest inspection and learn more about our professional pest control solutions for homeowners throughout Clearwater and the surrounding area.
- (727) 260-5531
- Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed Saturday and Sunday