The Ugly Truth About Pest Control
James Wyatt
- State Certified Applicator
Pest & Termite. Texas Department of Agriculture #0939652
At Honest Pest Services, we believe in transparency—even if it means we don’t earn your business. We hope you find this information informative and valuable. – Honest
Why Monthly Pest Control is a Must: And Why Bi-Monthly or Quarterly Services Just Don’t Cut It
Let’s talk facts.
Climate change has completely changed the pest control game. Warmer winters, unpredictable rainfall, and longer breeding seasons have made pests harder to manage—and more tolerant to treatments.
Yes, manufacturers are making products with longer residual effects, but offer options to buy there products designed for 30-45 days. In some incidents recommend reapplication for maximum results on the product designed for 60-90 days for consistent protection.
Back when seasons were predictable, bi-monthly or quarterly services were fine. Not anymore. In today’s Texas climate, just one good rain or a heat wave can cut the effectiveness of a treatment in half—or wipe it out entirely.
What This Means for Your Home:
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Day 1: You’re 100% protected after treatment.
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By Day 15: Weather and other factors can reduce protection to 50%.
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By Day 30–45: Effectiveness can drop to near 0%.
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But if you’re on a bi-monthly or quarterly plan? You won’t see another treatment for 60 to 90 days. That’s a big gap—and a big risk.
What Pest Control Companies Won’t Tell You:
Some companies know the truth: There are typically two products you can buy, those that last for 30-45 days and those that are designed to last 60–90 days, but only in ideal, controlled environments—not in real-world Texas weather. They won’t tell you that, though.
Why?
Because they offer what you can afford, not what actually works. They pass the risk onto you, the customer, instead of owning the responsibility to protect your home properly.
The Egg Cycle Is Real
Even when pests are eliminated, their eggs are often unaffected. Without timely follow-up treatments, those eggs hatch, and you’re back to square one.
Delays in service = more pests and less protection.
Here’s the Real Bottom Line:
Many companies keep prices low by:
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Using cheap, ineffective products
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Relying on “free warranty” visits to patch up problems
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Locking you into long service gaps that leave your home exposed
Then, when pests return, they blame you for choosing the “wrong” service plan.
Don’t fall for it.
Always ask to see the product labels and check your service ticket. Make sure the products used and how often they’re applied actually match the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Why Monthly Service Works
More frequent treatments = stronger, more consistent protection.
At Honest Pest Services, our monthly plans allow us to stay ahead of the pest cycle. We’re proactive, not reactive. And yes—like other companies—we offer free warranty visits, but we do it because we know products break down faster than manufacturers claim when exposed to Texas weather.
Upsells: Are They Worth It?
It depends.
At Honest Pest Services, our Certified Applicators are licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture and stand behind their findings. While we can’t vouch for other companies’ intentions, we always recommend asking questions when you’re offered upsells:
Is this solving a current issue or just preventive?
Can they show you proof or evidence?
Are they using scare tactics or being transparent?
If you’re unsure, get a second opinion. But don’t ignore real issues—waiting often makes things worse.
Year-Round Pest Control Isn’t Optional Anymore
Yes, some pests die in winter. But many don’t.
We see mosquitoes year-round now. Why? Because even in the colder months, warm homes, weep holes, eaves, standing water, and other shelter spots allow pests to nest and thrive.
Mosquito eggs can survive through freezes and hatch when the temps rise—even temporarily. One warm week or a heavy rain can bring them back to life.
Cost Comparison: Honest Pricing vs Industry Rates
| Home Size (sq ft) | Average Initial Service | Our Price | Average Ongoing Service (per visit) | Our Price (per visit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 | $300 – $550 | $90 | $100 – $300 | $65 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | $350 – $550 | $90 | $100 – $300 | $65 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | $450 – $650 | $90 | $150 – $300 | $65 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | $550 – $750 | $90 | $300 – $550 | $95 |
Final Thoughts
As a former Regional Sales Manager for some of the largest pest control companies in Texas, I’ve seen the industry from the inside. Many companies let customers dictate their treatment schedule just to keep the sale.
But here’s the truth:
Pest control isn’t about what’s cheapest. It’s about what’s effective.
You’re paying for peace of mind and real protection—not a gamble.
We invite you to share this info with your current provider and ask them the tough questions.
Knowledge is protection. And at Honest Pest Services, we’ll always choose honesty over a quick buck.
Best regards,
