FAQs

How can I tell if there’s an infestation?

Signs of an infestation can vary depending on the pest, but common indicators include seeing live pests, finding droppings, gnaw marks on food packaging or structures, unusual odors, or discovering nests or webs.

Are DIY methods effective?

While some DIY methods can offer temporary relief for minor pest issues, they rarely solve the root cause of an infestation. Pests can be resilient, and professional pest control ensures effective and long-lasting elimination using targeted treatments and expert knowledge.

How long does treatment take, and when will I see results?

The duration of treatment and the time to see results depend on the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and the chosen treatment method. Following your initial treatment, most services take approximately 15 to 30 minutes. For many pests, you may see a reduction in activity within days, with full results becoming apparent within a few weeks. We ask that you allow 7-10 days for the initial treatment to take effect. If you still see an inordinate number of pests, give us a call, and we will re-service your home free of charge.

How often should services be scheduled?

We offer 3 service intervals to customize to your specific needs. Our monthly service is best for those that don’t want to ever see bugs on their property. It is rare that a customer on monthly maintenance needs an additional free service. Our bi-monthly (every other month) is our most popular service. Our technicians are showing up just as the previous treatment begins to wear off. You may need to call for an extra treatment or two throughout the year on this plan. Our quarterly service is our most economical plan and effective for customers who don’t mind seeing a bug or two from time to time. When you do, simply contact us to have us provide another free service to you. We expect that with customers who choose this plan.

What chemicals or methods are used during the treatment?

Preventive Pest Control uses only products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. We utilize a variety of methods and products tailored to the specific pest and your home, including targeted sprays, baits, granules, dusts, traps, and exclusion techniques. Our goal is to use the most effective and safest methods possible to eliminate pests. At each service we provide a list of products used. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request for every product we utilize.

Do you offer warranties or guarantees?

Yes, we believe in the quality of our work. That’s why we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our Residential & Commercial pest control services. If you are not happy with the results, we will provide additional service at no extra charge until you are delighted. By servicing your home regularly, we guarantee that we will provide you with such a high level of service that you will be satisfied.

How much does it cost?

Our pest control plans start as low as $40 per month. The cost of service varies depending on the type of pest, the size of your property, and the chosen service plan. We offer free inspections and can provide a detailed quote after assessing your specific needs.

Do I need to vacate during treatment?

In most cases, you do not need to vacate your home during our regular maintenance visits, especially for exterior treatments. Our technicians will inform you if any specific treatment requires you to leave the premises for a short period.

How can I prevent future infestations?

Preventing future infestations involves a combination of regular pest control services and good sanitation practices. This includes sealing entry points, keeping your home clean and free of food debris, eliminating standing water, and maintaining your landscaping. Our technicians can provide specific recommendations during their visits.

Can pests become resistant to treatments?

While it's rare for pests to develop widespread resistance to all treatments, it is a consideration. Our pest control professionals are knowledgeable about pest biology and rotate products and methods as needed to prevent resistance and ensure effective control.

What should I do to prepare my home before treatment?

Preparation varies depending on the type of treatment. Generally, it's helpful to declutter areas where pests are active, remove pet food and water bowls, and ensure easy access for our technicians. Specific instructions will be provided before your service.

What happens if it rains after outdoor treatment?

Our products are formulated to withstand typical weather conditions. In most cases, light rain after an outdoor treatment will not significantly impact its effectiveness. If heavy rain is expected, we may recommend rescheduling or applying a different type of treatment.

Do you offer eco-friendly or organic pest control options?

We prioritize the health and safety of your family and pets. We use products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and can discuss eco-friendly and organic options based on your specific pest issue and preferences.

What is the difference between one-time and ongoing services?

One-time services are for immediate pest problems, while ongoing services provide continuous protection against various pests throughout the year. We’ve learned through years of experience that one treatment will rarely solve every pest issue, making ongoing service more effective for long-term pest prevention.

Are pest control services effective for apartments, townhomes or condos?

Yes, our pest control services are effective for all types of residences, including apartments, townhomes, and condos. We tailor our treatments to the specific needs of your living space and the pests present.

Do pest control treatments leave odors or residue?

Our spray treatments are odorless, fumeless, and residue-free. They typically dry within 20 minutes, making it difficult to detect where they've been applied.

What qualifications or licenses are required to provide pest treatments?

All Preventive Pest Control technicians are licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board, with license numbers provided on your post-service report. We also ensure our team remains current on the latest products, procedures, and treatment techniques through ongoing company training.

Why do I need to sign a contract for your services?

We ask that you set up a service for one year with us to show you the difference with our regular maintenance visits across all pest seasons. This allows us to break the pest development cycle and provide consistent, year-round protection. Our goal is to keep you completely satisfied so that you hopefully will remain with us for many years to come. We do not require any further agreements after the 1st year.

Can I cancel this service agreement at any time?

Choosing an ongoing treatment plan is akin to securing pest insurance. We stand by your experience, offering complimentary extra services to disrupt pest development on your property. One-time services, aimed at solving immediate pest issues, typically incur a higher charge. Should you cancel your service before the agreement concludes, you will be charged the difference between the discounted initial treatment and its cost as a one-time service.

What pests are covered by your regular maintenance programs?

The following pests are covered by our regular maintenance programs, meaning if you see any of these pests between your regular maintenance visits, then contact us, and we will come to provide specific treatment for that pest at no additional charge:

Ants,
Black & Brown Widow Spiders,
American & Oriental Roaches,
Scorpions, House Spiders,
Wasps,
Centipedes & Millipedes,
Crickets,
Silverfish,
Earwigs,
Pillbugs,
Mice,
Snails.

What other pest control services do you offer?

We offer solutions to other less common pests that might find their way into your home or yard. Customers who are on our regular maintenance programs receive discounted prices for these specialty services:
Rat Trapping & Exclusion, Mosquitoes,
Termites (Drywood & Subterranean),
German Roaches,
Gophers & Moles,
Indoor Fleas & Ticks,
Whiteflies & Aphids,
Carpet Beetles, and
Pantry Moths.

Are pest treatments on the interior necessary?

Because every home and pest infestation is unique, a customized plan may be necessary. For most situations, exterior service is sufficient, and many clients prefer this option. We do, however, recommend an initial interior clean-out service. Since 99% of pests enter from outside, a consistent exterior service is usually enough to keep your home pest-free. If you require interior assistance, please do not hesitate to call us.

Do I need to be home to receive the regular pest treatments?

You do not need to be home for our regular maintenance visits. We kindly request that you provide our technicians with access to your yard by unlocking gates and securing pets away from the work area.

How will I know when my next service is scheduled?

Depending on your chosen maintenance plan, recurring services are scheduled 30, 60, or 90 days (plus or minus 7 days) from your last completed paid service. We will send you a reminder via text, email, or phone call the day before your scheduled service, based on your preference. If you opt for text notifications, you'll also receive a text reminder from our technician when they are en route to your home or business, giving you time to unlock gates and bring pets inside.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards and automatic bank transfers (ACH) using your bank account and routing numbers.

Do you offer any discounts for your services?

We offer a 5% discount if you choose to pay for 1 year of services in advance. Additionally, we offer $10 off your recurring service price for all active & retired military and their spouses.

If I have recurring service, does that mean I’ll never see another bug in my house again?

No. Preventive Pest Control provides the best pest control service available, and our goal is to provide you with a pest-free environment. However, pests can enter your house in bags, on pets, or through the air. In addition, pests are usually area/neighborhood problems, so even though we are treating your home, pests from the surrounding area can walk, crawl, or fly onto your property and attempt to enter your home. When we treat your home, we will flush the insects out of their hiding places, so it is possible that you may see even more pests for a short period of time. Allow 7-10 days for the products to take effect and if the problem persists, please contact us and we will provide additional treatments at no charge until the infestation subsides.

How quickly can I schedule a treatment?

We work 6 days of the week and can typically provide same day or next day service to most areas. Please speak to a member of our customer service team to determine the next available service time for your home.

I think I have gophers in my yard, what should I do?

We specialize in effective gopher control. Since every situation is unique, our trained technicians offer a free inspection to assess your specific needs. They will consider factors such as the number of gophers, challenging locations like slopes, soil conditions, and consistent gopher activity in your neighborhood. Following the inspection, our technician will provide an estimate, and we guarantee the removal of those pesky gophers.

Can you get rid of my mosquitoes?

While complete mosquito elimination isn't guaranteed, our proven system has effectively served thousands of customers. Since 2020, we've deployed the In2Care Mosquito system (www.in2care.org). This video (https://youtu.be/7EVeLp6KEc4) explains its functionality. We highly recommend this product, offering monthly treatments from April to November. Our customer satisfaction speaks for itself: 83% of clients retain this service annually.

How do you treat for mice and rats?

Effective rodent control primarily relies on exclusion. Given that mice can enter through gaps as small as a dime and rats through quarter-sized openings, sealing all cracks and holes with caulk and steel wool is an excellent preventive measure. After securing these entry points, we implement various rodent control solutions, including snap traps, glue boards, and targeted baiting programs. Our team comprises dedicated rodent control technicians who specialize in both trapping and exclusion techniques. Schedule a free inspection today, and our expert technicians will provide a comprehensive plan to eliminate rodents from your home.