The Best Pest Control Practices for Your Home and Family

Considering ongoing pest control plans is an important step in maintaining a pest-free home, especially if you want to prevent future infestations or deal with recurring pest issues. Ongoing pest control is proactive and can save you from having to deal with larger, more costly infestations down the line. Here's everything you should know about ongoing pest control plans:

1. Why Choose Ongoing Pest Control Plans?

• Prevent Recurring Issues: 

  Pest control for your home

  can be persistent. Even after an initial treatment, new pests may find their way into your home. Ongoing pest control helps to address potential problems before they become major infestations.
• Early Detection: Regular visits from a pest control professional mean pests can be detected early, often before you notice any visible signs of damage or infestation.
• Comprehensive Protection: Continuous pest control plans often include multiple types of pests, so you're covered for a range of issues like rodents, ants, termites, and more.

2. Types of Ongoing Pest Control Plans

• Monthly or Bi-Monthly Visits: Many pest control companies offer monthly or bi-monthly plans for regular check-ups and treatments. This is a good option for homes that are particularly susceptible to pests, like those located near wooded areas or with a history of infestation.
• Quarterly Treatments: A less frequent option is quarterly pest control. This plan involves treatments every three months, which is ideal for homes that don’t have frequent pest issues but still want to maintain a preventive approach.
• Seasonal Plans: Some plans are designed to focus on seasonal pest issues, such as ants in the spring or rodents in the winter. These plans ensure that you're covered during the peak times when pests are most likely to invade.
• Specialized Plans: If you have specific pest problems (e.g., termites, bed bugs, or a rodent infestation), you may need a specialized plan that addresses those particular pests with targeted treatments and ongoing maintenance.

3. What’s Included in Ongoing Plans?

• Inspection and Monitoring: Regular visits from pest control experts will include inspections to look for signs of pests and damage. They’ll monitor areas of concern and check any traps or bait stations that were set.
• Treatments: Ongoing treatments often include preventative sprays, baits, and barriers to stop pests from entering. The frequency and type of treatment will depend on the pests you're targeting.
• Exclusion Services: Some pest control companies include exclusion services, where they will seal entry points around your home to prevent pests from getting inside. This can be especially useful for rodents, ants, or termites.
• Specialized Treatments: For specific pests like termites, ongoing plans may include regular inspections and treatments for those particular issues.
• Emergency Visits: Many ongoing plans offer priority emergency visits. If pests return between scheduled treatments, you'll get faster service.

4. Benefits of Ongoing Pest Control

• Peace of Mind: Regular treatments mean you don't have to worry about pests invading your home. With proactive care, you can rest easy knowing that a professional is watching out for any signs of trouble.
• Long-Term Savings: While it might seem like an added expense, ongoing pest control can save you money in the long run by preventing larger, more costly infestations and damage to your home.
• Health Benefits: Some pests (e.g., rodents, cockroaches) can spread diseases or trigger allergies. Ongoing pest control reduces these health risks by keeping pests away.
• Customized Care: An ongoing plan means the pest control company can tailor its services to your specific needs, adjusting treatments depending on the type of pests in your area and the season.

5. Cost Considerations

• Pricing Structure: The cost of ongoing pest control plans varies depending on factors like the size of your home, the type of pests being managed, and the frequency of visits. Monthly plans generally cost more than quarterly ones.
• What’s Included: When comparing costs, ensure you know exactly what’s covered. Some companies might include additional services like termite protection or rodent control in their ongoing plans, while others may charge extra for these services.
• Special Discounts: Some pest control companies offer discounts or package deals for long-term commitments or multiple services. It’s worth asking if they provide such options.

6. How to Choose the Right Ongoing Plan for Your Home

• Evaluate Pest History: Consider your home’s history with pests. If you've had issues with certain pests in the past (like termites or rodents), you may want a more frequent or specialized plan.
• Consider the Local Environment: If you live in an area prone to pests (e.g., near water or forests), monthly or bi-monthly visits may be more beneficial.
• Assess Your Budget: Ongoing plans vary in cost, so balance the level of service you need with what fits your budget.
• Read the Fine Print: Check the terms of the plan. Are there guarantees? What happens if pests return? Understand the commitment required and what’s included in the service before signing up.