What Is The Best Time Of Year To Hire An Exterminator?

Pests, whether they be termites and ticks or mice and opossums, are a nuisance for any homeowner. They are hard to manage without help, and they can make life at home quite stressful. So, what is the best time of year to hire an exterminator? 

The best time of year to hire an exterminator is in the spring because that’s when most pests become active. Bugs and rodents reproduce and seek food during spring and summer when the temperature heats up. It’s best to hire an exterminator during this time before your pest problem gets out of control. 

Otherwise, you may wind up with a pest infestation problem. Follow along as we explore the best time of the year to hire an exterminator. 

What Month Is Best For Pest Control?

March and April are the best months for pest control, as that’s right before many pests become more active. Many bugs and small animals stay mostly dormant during the fall and winter. They don’t become active again until the early spring, when the temperatures rise. 

The influx of pollen in the air and bright flowers attract many common pests. You must also consider that many small bugs that don’t necessarily annoy you attract problematic pests. That’s because many scary and dangerous pests, like brown recluse spiders, eat other bugs. 

This explains why predatory pests become especially active when other bugs come back around. Spring is the best time for preventative pest control. Otherwise, you may need to play catch-up throughout summer when many bugs and rodents are the most active. 

What Time Of The Day Are Rodents Most Active?

Rodents are most active at night. Exterminators typically lay traps to catch and or kill rodents during the day, but they may not catch anything until night. Much like bugs, rodents are most active between spring and summer when they have the most consistent food and water sources. 

Today, exterminators can set lethal and non-lethal traps to catch rodents. It’s important to call an exterminator or pest control service if you find rodent droppings in your home. Rodents can quickly reproduce, and they can transmit diseases. 

When Are Bugs Most Active?

Bugs are most active during the summer in most climates and regions. They may first appear in the spring, but they become much more active during the summer. Many bugs continually reproduce and lay eggs throughout the spring and into summer. 

The local bug population is typically at its peak by the time summer rolls around. Heat, humidity, and rain attract bugs, and that’s why they’re so active in tropical climates. The time of day when bugs are most active depends on the type of bug. 

For example, you’re more likely to find ants, flies, and wasps during the day than at night. Conversely, crickets, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and moths are mostly active at night. 

How Often Do You Have To Spray More Pesticides?

You may need to spray more pesticides once every month or two. However, the duration of the effects varies based on the type and amount of pesticide you use. Pesticides can also wash away because of rain and excessive humidity. 

That’s why it’s best to apply pesticides when you know it isn’t going to rain within 30-60 minutes. That’s how long it takes for pesticides to dry, so they can wash away before then. Otherwise, the pesticide won’t be able to adequately deter bugs as well as it could. 

Herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides are all sensitive to water. It’s best to hire a pest control service to apply such chemicals, as it can be dangerous. They are all toxic upon ingestion, and using too much can even harm the soil in your yard.

How Much Does Pest Control Cost?

Pest control costs an average of $170 per visit, but it varies based on many factors, such as home size. For example, you may spend $1,600-$8,000 on fumigation if your home is 1,600 square feet or more. However, basic pest control treatments typically cost $140 to $300 per visit.

The cost also varies based on the severity of the problem and which type of treatment they use. Naturally, fumigation costs much more than it would to spray the perimeter of your home with insecticide. Termites and bed bugs are the most expensive pests to get rid of because of how difficult it often is.

Both of these types of pests may require multiple treatments using different chemicals and methods. Termites carry more costs as they can damage your home and you may need to pay for expensive repairs. Similarly, many people throw furniture away and replace it after bed bug treatments. 

Is Monthly Pest Control Worth It?

Monthly pest control plans are worth the cost if you live in an area with many problematic bugs, like cockroaches and wasps. For example, a large wasp population can keep homeowners from spending time in their yards. After all, nobody wants to get stung when they go outside to water their flowers. 

Many people who live near treelines must also invest in monthly pest control treatments. That’s because your home may be more vulnerable to bad pests, like termites and ticks. You can expect to spend between $40 and $100 per month on routine pest control visits. 

However, you may not need monthly pest control visits year-round. In most climates, pest control is only necessary from the spring until the fall. That said, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a pest control visit if you suspect an infestation, no matter when it is. You also need monthly exterminator visits if you have mole and mouse infestations. 

Which Pests Are The Hardest To Get Rid Of?

Termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs are the hardest pests to get rid of. Each of these pests is particularly hard to find and identify. That means that many people only discover them when there are already many of them in their homes.

There is a good chance that the termites or bed bugs in question have been reproducing for a while. Simply killing the adult termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches isn’t enough to fix the problem. Egg sacs may remain, meaning that babies will eventually hatch in your home.

Unfortunately, some people fail to remove and destroy egg sacs when they use DIY pest control treatments. The neverending cycle of killing pests only for more to hatch is enough to drive any homeowner crazy. That’s why it’s worth the money to hire an experienced, highly regarded pest control company. 

Summing It Up

Spring is the best time of the year to hire an exterminator, whether you have a bug or rodent infestation. Rodents and many bugs, like mosquitoes, are most active at night, whereas others, like flies, are active during the day. Pest control and exterminator visits cost an average of $170 per visit. 

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