Pest Control

Q: What is Pest Control?

Modern pest control is more than just spraying every baseboard inside of a structure. Each house is a unique environment that needs to be treated as such. Your Barnes Lakeside technician will do a thorough inspection of your home or business and decide how to best prevent future pest problems and control those that are present. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an important step in preventing pests in the home and starts with the home or business owner working in cooperation with the Technician in removing food and harborage sources among other things. Examples include: Moving a woodpile away from the house or storing your dog food in a sealed container. Liquid sprays, baits, traps and other control measures will all be used to eliminate pest problems. Barnes Lakeside offers monthly or quarterly service. Your Pest Management Professional (PMP) will make a recommendation based on your problem and your preference.

Q: I have regular pest control service. Will this help with termites?

No. A termite treatment is completely different from pest control treatment. While termite chemicals are placed underground to destroy foraging workers, pest control chemicals are usually on the exposed soil or other areas above ground.

Q: I don't smell anything after treatment. Am I getting watered down chemicals?

No. Most of today's pesticides are colorless with low odor. In the past, pesticides had an oil-based carrier that had an odor that could be smelled after application, which had nothing to do with its effectiveness.

Q: When I report seeing roaches I am always asked if they are big or small. What's the difference?

If the roaches are small (about ½” long) they are probably German roaches. German roaches establish nests inside a structure and can quickly multiply to form large infestations. The larger roaches (1” and longer) are usually American, Smokey Browns, or Oriental roaches. All three of these species come from outside and find it hard to survive inside a structure. Determining whether the roaches are large or small will aid your PMP in choosing the best treatment for your problem.

Q: Why does it take so long to see results of a flea treatment?

Fleas develop within a complete lifecycle. This means they go through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The eggs are mainly picked up by vacuuming; the larva and adults are killed off by the initial chemical application. The cocoon, which surrounds the pupa completely, protects the flea from chemical exposure. The pupa can detect the presence of a host from inside the cocoon and will emerge as a biting adult. Once they drop off the host, they will jump back into the floor where the chemical barrier will eliminate them. This process, therefore, can take two or more weeks.

Q: How do I get rid of spiders?

A residual chemical will not eliminate spiders. Spiders, as with any insect, require direct chemical contact in order to be eradicated. The lifestyle of most spiders prevents this since they spend most of their lives on webs. The best way to control spiders is to use nonchemical means to control their food source and eliminate harborage areas. Most spiders around a structure are feeding on flying insects drawn in by lights. Lights should only be turned on when needed and, if possible, should be away from entry ways into the structure. As soon as webs are seen they should be swept down.

Barnes Lakeside can also provide one time treatments for insects such as wasps, hornets, and yellow-jackets.