Pest infestation is something no homeowner wants to deal with because even if the problem has been removed from an apartment, the paranoia that a re-infestation will happen is typically high. Pest invasions are an even bigger problem for apartment residents. Once it begins, it can be quite difficult to control without having to put a lot of individual tenants through a ton of inconvenience. Apartment residents will typically wonder how frequent pest control needs to be done to prevent such nuisance.
This brings us to the question: how often should pest control be done in an apartment?
Factors Affecting Pest Control Frequency
Once the apartment gets treated for pest infestation, the subsequent game plan will be to do all you can to prevent re-infestation from happening. The frequency of when subsequent pest controls depends on a number of factors.
Present Pest Species
One thing to keep in mind about pests is that different species require different treatments. After all, some pests are far more resilient than others and will require more intensive treatment and extensive intervention. Some pests require only one to two visits from a professional pest control team and they’ll be completely removed from the apartment. Others will require a more frequent interval to get their population controlled, especially when they are the type who can quickly adapt to baiting methods.
Drywood termites, for instance, are easier to deal with after the initial treatment. An apartment that has been infested with these wood-eating insects can have annual inspections done once every year after the initial treatment. This isn’t the case when the unit owner is dealing with common household pests like spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, and ants. After intensive spraying and dusting, the pest control experts may have to pay the apartment a visit once every three months to gauge the effectiveness of the initial treatment.
On the other hand, pests like bed bugs, mosquitoes, flies, and rats are much more difficult to get rid of. Pest control in the apartment has to be done monthly or every other month when an invasion from these insects is spotted. In the case of rodents, it can be especially challenging to handle as they’re intelligent enough to avoid conventional traps and poisons.
Infestation Severity
For the most part, pesticides remain effective for a few months from the time they’re applied. After the treatment, preventive measures against a variety of pests inside the apartment can be done on a quarterly basis. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave any part of your apartment susceptible to a fresh infestation at any given point (because they will certainly grab the opportunity if opportunity presents itself!).
In most situations, however, the infestation can be greatly reduced after the first 2 to 3 visits by the pest exterminators. Once the treatment is showing significant results, the pest control team can proceed with suggesting a more preventive approach (as opposed to an offensive one). Once the apartment interiors have been freed from its current pest dilemma, the focus will then turn to the vicinity of the apartment, in the goal to minimise the risk of another invasion.
Pest Control Solution
To curb an ongoing pest invasion, a variety of pest control products will be used. The choice of what the pest exterminators will use has a huge influence at the rate with which pest control has to be done in the apartment, though. That’s because some products have different residual effects and rates at which they’re accepted by the target pests.
For example, a pesticide with a high acceptance rate (by pests) can be used at a lower frequency. Considering how they’re very effective at what they do, reapplication may only be needed from time to time. The same logic applies for those pesticides with lasting residual effects. In most cases, effective pest control solutions may only require 3 to 4 applications a year.
Apartment Location
When you’re wondering how often pest control is done in your apartment, it helps to assess the location of the building. This is a key factor since various pest populations thrive in specific environments. As a matter of fact, some areas can be more easily infested by particular pests than others.
It’s important to note that pest control inspections will often include checking the apartment building’s perimeters and immediate surroundings. Doing this helps them identify areas that may be vulnerable to a potential pest entry.
Frequency May Be the Least of Your Concerns
How frequent the pest control team comes to your apartment may be a little worrisome, especially when you’re pinching pennies. However, keep in mind that letting a pest problem fester can result in financial downfall as you’ll be paying a hefty sum to rectify extensive pest damage. The worst part is that such damage won’t typically be covered by your home insurance.
To prevent this outcome, call our pest control experts today and we’ll make sure your apartment won’t be susceptible to these pesky critters. And with our team setting up an appropriate treatment schedule, you get to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your place won’t easily be breached by unwanted visitors.