So you think you have bedbugs, now what?
I get a lot a calls regarding bedbugs and what to do if you think you have them. Here is some advice that I have put together over the years to help my customers through this trying time.
First of all, don't panic. Yes, I know bedbugs put fear into the hearts of many but it is not the end of the world and this problem can be solved by taking these steps:
Hopefully this has been helpful and may put your minds at ease. Remember knowledge is power and take the time to educate yourself before making this decision.
First of all, don't panic. Yes, I know bedbugs put fear into the hearts of many but it is not the end of the world and this problem can be solved by taking these steps:
- DO NOT change rooms, sleep on the couch or throw the beds and furniture out. I get this a lot. Beds and furniture are expensive and in most cases can be saved. Moving from room to room may spread the bedbugs out over a larger area creating a larger more difficult problem to remedy.
- Have a professional come out and do an inspection. Most pest control company's offer free inspections, take advantage of it. If the inspector does find bedbugs and/or evidence have them show you. However be prepared for a hard sellas the "free inspections" are a chance for them to solicit their services to you (at Renegade Pest Control we never use the hard sell approach. We give you the facts and that's it)
- Here is where things can get tricky. Choosing the right company for the job. Most pest control company's advertise bedbug services but how do you pick the right one? Ask questions. Or better yet Ask The Right Questions. Here are some questions to ask the potential company you may want to hire before you shell out your hard earned money. One more thing to consider. This isn't the time to bargain shop. I have had many customers pay twice for this service. (Some other pest control company, then Renegade)
- Is the Bedbug service comprehensive? Meaning is everything included in the estimate? Yes. At Renegade Pest Control the bedbug service (as with all of our services) is comprehensive everything is included in the estimate. Here at RPC there is never any hidden charges
- Is there a charge for call backs? No. Renegade Pest Control never charges for callbacks with any of our services.
- How long will it take to do the service? That depends. Our average bedbug service takes between 1.5 and 4 hours. There are a lot of factors involved in the time it takes. It is a very detailed service and takes time to be effective.
- What preparations do I need to do to prepare for the service? There is some prep work on your end with our bedbug services. While we are trustworthy (and insured) do you want strangers stripping your beds and emptying out your dressers?
- Are mattress covers included or are they recommended? Yes. Mattress covers are included in the estimate. The use of the covers is non negotiable they are used on every Renegade bedbug service. Its that important! (I have research to back up my claims)
- The most important question of all. Is there a guarantee and is it offered in writing?Yes. We offer our guarantee in writing on the service agreement (as with all of our services). The guarantee begins After the last service is done.
Hopefully this has been helpful and may put your minds at ease. Remember knowledge is power and take the time to educate yourself before making this decision.
How do I get rid of over wintering pests?
There are many varieties of over wintering pests, so we will only cover the two that seem to be the most common, Box Elder bugs and False Asian lady beetles (A.K.A. "lady bugs"). I get a lot of calls and questions regarding these two pests and there seems to be some misinformation that leaves many customers with more questions than answers. Yes they can be controlled and depending the time of year quite easily.
Typically these two insects show up late summer to mid-fall looking for a warm place to hunker down and spend the the colder months (i.e. your house). I have seen infestations on (and in) some homes that would number into the 100's of thousands. Typically this may go on for several weeks and as it gets colder outside you see fewer pests (They really don't disappear they are now IN your home). As the winter progresses you will have them inside your home especially on the really sunny days and the days it warms up to above freezing. Then in the spring they re-appear (in greater numbers) and you have to put up with vacuuming, cleaning, etc...... If this sounds all too familiar then please call because we need to talk.
When should you get the service for these types of pest done? Honestly that's a great question. The best time is BEFORE they show up for the season. Although its never to late to do a service the earlier you have a service done the better. If we can eliminate them before they enter your home it makes it easier on both of us. If you missed the "ideal" time no problem we can still solve your problem. It just may take a little longer to see results. (I bet the "other" pest control company's leave that part out).
Typically these two insects show up late summer to mid-fall looking for a warm place to hunker down and spend the the colder months (i.e. your house). I have seen infestations on (and in) some homes that would number into the 100's of thousands. Typically this may go on for several weeks and as it gets colder outside you see fewer pests (They really don't disappear they are now IN your home). As the winter progresses you will have them inside your home especially on the really sunny days and the days it warms up to above freezing. Then in the spring they re-appear (in greater numbers) and you have to put up with vacuuming, cleaning, etc...... If this sounds all too familiar then please call because we need to talk.
When should you get the service for these types of pest done? Honestly that's a great question. The best time is BEFORE they show up for the season. Although its never to late to do a service the earlier you have a service done the better. If we can eliminate them before they enter your home it makes it easier on both of us. If you missed the "ideal" time no problem we can still solve your problem. It just may take a little longer to see results. (I bet the "other" pest control company's leave that part out).