What is Pest Control?

Most people only think of us when they see a mouse or a cockroach but there is actually a lot of science and strategy behind what we do.

Here are the answers to your questions from a licensed pest professional’s perspective:

Q: What is pest control?

A: At its simplest, pest control is the regulation or management of any species defined as a pest.  It’s the process of keeping unwanted insects, rodents, and other organisms out of your living space to protect your health and your home.

Q: What is a pest?

A pest is generally defined as any living organism (plant, animal, or microbe) that is considered detrimental or unwanted by humans. This includes organisms that:

• Cause harm to human health: organisms that spread diseases that could trigger respiratory issues and allergies. (cockroaches, dust mites)
• Damage property or structures: organisms that can chew through wood, dry wall, and potential electrical wiring. (termites, carpenter ants, raccoons, squirrels, mice, rats)
• Destroy or contaminate crops and food supply: organisms that lead to economic loss or food shortages. (locusts, aphids)
• Causes annoyance or distress: organisms that cause psychological and/or physiological distress or annoyance like a bug bite or stinkiness to the surrounding environment. (bed bugs, house flies)

Q: What do you mean by pest control?

A: When we say "pest control," we aren't just talking about "killing bugs." We mean a comprehensive system of managing your environment. It involves three main pillars:

1. Prevention: Making your home less attractive to pests. This will require a combination of the two:
   
   • Changing habits: a long-term commitment to changing some daily routines such as emptying the garbage more often, keeping the kitchen cleaned more often, and cleaning behind appliances on a regular basis.
   • Property upkeep: Toronto’s home is an average 42 years old according to the Average Age of Dwelling by CMA survey. In 42 years, there could be holes hidden in the attic or the house foundation. So regular maintenance is key to keeping pests out by proactively removing any potential entry points..
2. Suppression: Reducing the population to a point where it’s no longer a problem using chemical, biological, or mechanical methods.
3. Eradication: Completely eliminating a specific infestation (like bed bugs or a wasp nest).

Q: What is the meaning of pest control services?

A: These are professional services provided by licensed technicians within a licensed operator business. We have the training to identify specific species, the legal authority to purchase/use commercial-grade products, and the specialized equipment to reach/contain pests.

Q: What is pest control used for?

A: It serves four major purposes for a homeowner:

• Health Protection: Preventing diseases (like Salmonella from roaches or Hantavirus from mice).
• Property Preservation: Stopping structural damage (like termites eating wood or rodents chewing electrical wires).
• Sanitation: Keeping food and surfaces free from contamination.
• Comfort: Ensuring you can sleep and live without the stress of an infestation.
  

Q: How does pest control work?

A: Most pros today use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It works in a cycle:

1. Inspection: We find where they are coming from and why they are there.
2. Identification: We identify the exact pest (different ants need different treatments).
3. Treatment: We use a mix of physical barriers, traps, and targeted product(s).
4. Monitoring: We check back to make sure the "shield" around your home is holding.

Q: What do pest control services do?

A: We act as "detectives." We look for conducive conditions such as leaky pipes, gaps under doors, or overhanging tree branches which all could act as a bridge for pests. We then apply "exclusion" techniques (sealing holes) and use specialized tools like bait stations, gel baits, or residual sprays to handle the active population.

Q: Why is pest control important?

A: Because pests are more than just a nasty feeling or thought factor. They are biological hazards. A single mouse can produce up to 100 droppings a day and a cockroach can trigger asthma in children. Beyond health, pests can cause thousands of dollars in damage that standard home insurance usually does not cover because they consider pest prevention to be "routine maintenance”.

Q: What is pest control treatment?

A: A treatment is the actual application of a solution. It’s rarely just a spray. It might involve:

• Baiting: Using food-based toxins that pests carry back to their colony.
• Dusting: Putting fine powders into cracks and wall voids.
• Exclusion: Using steel wool, caulk, and/or mesh to eliminate pest entry points.
• Heat: Using high temperatures to kill sensitive pests like bed bugs.