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 gain your
business. We hope you find this information informative and valuable. – Honest
Understanding Monthly Treatments, and why to avoid Bi or Quarterly Services.
Climate change has significantly impacted pest reproduction and their tolerance to treatments. Many manufacturers create products with longer residuals but recommend more frequent applications to maintain consistent protection.
In the past, when seasons were more predictable, bi- or quarterly treatments were sufficient. However, with today’s unpredictable weather patterns, the effectiveness of exterior treatments can be significantly reduced by rain, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors. Leaving your home vulnerable to pest infestations.
In Summary:
- After treatment, your exterior is 100% protected.
- Inconsistent weather changes can reduce the product’s effectiveness to roughly 50% within 15 days.
- By day 30-45, protection can be at or near 0%.
- However, if you signed up for bi-monthly or quarterly service, you won’t receive treatment for 60 to 90 days, leaving gaps in your protection.
Here’s What Pest Control Companies Don’t Want You to Know.
While manufacturers create products designed to last 60-90 days, they also recommend proactive treatments every 30-45 days for maximum protection. Additionally, these products are tested under simulated weather conditions, which may not accurately reflect the unpredictable Texas weather patterns. When was the last time Texas weather was predictable for 90 days? (Rhetorical question!)
Manufacturers leave recommendations for your home to pest control companies certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Unethical pest control companies then transfer responsibility to you by offering monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly services based on what you can afford instead of choosing what is best for you.
The Truth about Bi or Quarterly Services
Proactive pest control is essential to ensure maximum protection. While an initial treatment can manage existing populations and help prevent future infestations, follow-up treatments are necessary due to factors like inclement weather, which can accelerate product degradation and leave your property unprotected.
Pests that come into contact with the product are eliminated, but their eggs can resist treatment, making it crucial to disrupt the egg cycle with timely follow-up treatments. Delays in treatment increase risk and compromise overall effectiveness.
Many companies use deceptive pricing practices, offering low rates while knowing their customers receive inadequate pest control. They use cheap products that aren’t effective for the recommended 60-90 days, but they offer “free warranty” services during that time, hoping to avoid any issues. These companies know that using recommended products and practices would increase prices, potentially causing them to lose customers. Their unethical practices put customers at a disadvantage in managing pest populations.
Bottom line:
Don’t let them take advantage of you. They charge you for substandard service and hold you accountable for choosing Bi or Quarterly service plans. Always check the Service Ticket left by your technician against the product labels. Checking your ticket ensures that the products used and their application frequency align with the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially for extended treatment plans.
The Truth about Monthly Services
The increased frequency of treatments boosts their effectiveness. We can reduce the time between services by taking a proactive rather than reactive approach. This approach prevents pest repopulation and combats weather conditions that may reduce treatment strength. Making monthly services the ideal choice for maximum protection.
Honest Pest Services offers the same “free warranty” services between 30 and 45 days because products will lose their effectiveness due to unforeseen and uncontrollable natural conditions.
My Current Pest Control Company Always Tries to Upsell Me. Do I Need What They’re Offering?
When dealing with upsells from your current pest control company, it’s wise to be cautious and informed.
At Honest Pest Services, our Certified Applicators stake their Texas Department of Agriculture licenses on their findings. While we can only vouch for our applicators’ integrity, we generally advise taking professional recommendations seriously if they’ve identified potential issues or active threats.
However, you always have the right to seek a second opinion. Just remember: Delaying action on visible problems can make them worse.
When considering additional services, ask:
- Does this address an immediate problem, or is it preventive?
- Can you provide proof or evidence to support the recommendation?
Do I need pest coverage year-round? Yes.
While it’s true that some pests die during the winter, many others don’t. Texas weather is increasingly changing. For example, we see Mosquitoes year-round. Our warm homes provide ideal nesting grounds for pests like mosquitoes, even in the coldest months. These pests seek shelter in weep holes, eaves, standing water, and other hidden areas to stay warm and reproduce.
Due to temperature fluctuations and climate changes, you may see mosquitoes in the middle of winter. Mosquitoes can become active at temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and their eggs can survive in dormant states until warmer weather arrives. Even a winter storm can create stagnant water that allows mosquito eggs to hatch.
Therefore, it’s essential to remain vigilant about pest control throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Pest Control Residential Cost
Pest control maintenance is necessary to protect your home from pests like termites, rats, ants, and roaches, which can cause thousands of dollars in property damage and medical expenses.
Here’s a general pricing guide for pest control services based on home size, keeping in mind that costs can vary significantly depending on the pest type, infestation level, and treatment method:
Home Size (sq ft) | Average Initial Service Cost | Average Ongoing Service Cost |
Up to 1,500 | $300 – $550 Our Price $95 | $100 – $300 (per visit) Our Price $65 (per visit) |
1,501 – 2,500 | $350 – $550 Our Price $95 | $100 – $300 (per visit) Our Price $65 (per visit) |
2,501 – 3,500 | $450 – $650 Our Price $95 | $150 – $300 (per visit) Our Price $65 (per visit) |
3,501 – 5,000 | $550 – $750 Our Price $95 | $300 – $550 (per visit) Our Price $95 (per visit) |
In closing,
As a former Regional Sales Manager for top pest control giants in Texas, I can tell you firsthand that companies are giving customers what they ask for out of fear of losing business. Pest control companies allow customers to dictate their treatment plans, pricing, and service terms. These companies prioritize retaining business over providing effective pest control. As a result, customers may receive inadequate treatment and be blamed for the subpar service.
We highly recommend that you share this information with your existing pest control company.
We hope this information helps you decide your pest control needs.
Best regards,
