General Office FAQ's
Are your technicians licensed?
Yes, all of our technicians are licensed by the State of Illinois, Department of Health.
Is your company accredited by the Better Business Bureau?
Yes, we are accredited. Click on the link for information from the Better Business Bureau.
Is your company insured?
Yes, we are completely insured and if the unexpected should occur while performing any service offered at your property our insurance covers all incidents.
Do you offer any discounts if I pre-pay for my services for the entire year?
Yes, if services are prepaid we offer a discount of 5% - 10% depending on the time of the year. We also offer the option to setup auto-pay after services are performed which provides a 5% discount.
Do I need to renew my services from year-to-year?
Service will continue from year-to-year, unless we hear from you otherwise. If you should ever want to change services performed or cancel service, please call our office or send us an email as we will need to update our records accordingly.
What happens if it rains on my scheduled treatment date?
If we called you the day before letting you know that we would be out for a service treatment and it rains prior to our visit, you will then be scheduled for the following day. If it should rain following a service visit the same day, most of the herbicide products we use are rain-fast within an hour, but in cases where we are caught in the rain, we will apply additional weed control if needed on a dryer day. We just ask you allow 10 days to see if this is needed and give us a call if it is.
Do I need to be home?
Some of our pest control services, you will need to be home, as our technicians may need to enter your home, dependent on the service performed.
What time will you be out?
While it is difficult to schedule exact appointment times for most service treatments, we can provide general time frames such as early morning, late morning, etc.
Will you call me before you come out?
For customers that request notification prior to any service performed, yes we can provide that as a courtesy. We prefer to send an email notification, but can call if requested. For customers with gates or pets left outside it is our standard procedure to send a notification prior to any service performed regardless.
Do you charge for estimates or a termite inspection?
Estimates and termite inspections are always free.
Do you charge for service calls?
We provide free service calls for customers who receive our complete program. Example: if a customer takes a program which consist of 4 treatments and calls for a service call between applications we would provide a free service call. However, if a customer skips a treatment and calls for a service call, charges may apply.
Do you have an installment plan?
Yes, we offer custom installment plans as a convenience to spread equal payments over multiple months.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept the following major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Can I pay my bill through the website?
Yes, please click on the link at the top right of the page for our customer login.
Is payment due after each treatment or after each month?
All payments are due upon receipt.
How will I be billed?
After each service is performed, a detailed invoice will be left at the front door explaining the service that was performed with a remit slip for making a payment.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes, please ask our sales departments on information on our customer referral program.
Mosquito Control FAQ's
Is my lawn safe for my pets immediately following a Mosquito Control treatment?
Please allow 2 hours for the pesticide/insecticide products to dry before pets return to the lawn. Mosquito pesticides have very low toxicity levels.
When can I return to my yard following a Mosquito Control treatment?
As with any treatment it is best to wait until the product is dried which is usually within 2 hours after the application. Mosquito pesticides have very low toxicity levels.
How long is the residual control for a Mosquito Control treatment?
On average we see approximately 1 week of good residual control for a barrier spray mosquito control treatment. However, we have had customers experience a full month of mosquito control in their yards.
In reference to available pesticides, what is the difference between larviciding and adulticiding?
Larviciding is the control of mosquito larvae and this should always be the primary approach in controlling mosquito populations in their breeding life cycle stage. Adulticiding is the control of mosquitoes in their adult stage and is targeted with barrier spraying of their resting places during the day, such as vegetation areas.
How many different mosquito species are there?
There are over 170 mosquito species in the United States, however locally there are 5 common species in Illinois which are:
Northern House Mosquito (Culex Pipiens)
Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus)
Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes Vexans)
Tree-Hole Mosquito (Andes Triseriatus)
Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles Quadrimaculatus)
Do all mosquitoes bite animals & humans?
No, only females bite as they use the protein from red blood cells to produce eggs. Males feed on nectar and other plant juices.
Which of the most common species in Illinois carry diseases and which diseases do they carry?
"The most common species in Illinois and the diseases they transmit are:
Northern House Mosquito (Culex Pipiens) : St. Louis Encephalitis and West Nile Virus
Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus) : Dengue, La Crosse Encephalitis and the Zika Virus
Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes Vexans) : None known for Illinois
Tree-Hole Mosquito (Andes Triseriatus) : La Crosse Encephalitis
Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles Quadrimaculatus) : Malaria
Do all mosquitoes transmit diseases?
No, there are 2 different classifications of mosquitoes. Pest Mosquitoes are simply a nuisance to outdoor activities while Vector Mosquitoes are carriers of diseases.
Is Malaria still a threat as it was in the past?
In the 1800's, Illinois was called "The Graveyard of the Nation" because of the large number of deaths of settlers from the malaria disease. While the disease is still responsible for killing millions of people each year around the world, there are only rare occasions it today within the United States.
Nuisance Pests FAQ's
Is my lawn safe for my pets immediately following a Nuisance Pest Control application?
Please allow the products to dry, usually an hour or two before letting pets return to the lawn.
When can I walk on my lawn following a Nuisance Pest Control application?
As with any treatment, it is best to wait until the product is dried.
How long is the residual control on a Nuisance Pest Control application?
On average we see a 30-day residual control with our nuisance pest control treatments.
Perimeter Pest Control FAQ's
How long is the residual control on a Perimeter Pest Control application?
On average we see a 90-day control with our pest control treatments.
Is my property safe for my pets immediately following a Perimeter Pest Control application?
As with all of the products that we apply in or around the home we ask that you allow any product ample dry time before you or your pet return to the treated area.
Does the service of Perimeter Pest Control also include any indoor areas?
No, perimeter pest control is only an outdoor service spraying your foundation, including any windows and doors. Our licensed pest control professionals will also inspect and treat any other potential access points to keep your home pest free. We do offer indoor pest control services depending on which type of pest you are trying to control. For details, please call our office at (618) 537-2400
Are there any natural or organic methods for outdoor pest control?
Yes, there are many natural or organic methods and products available. At The Pest Guys, we have had more success with broad spectrum insecticides that control 180+ insects as opposed to a specific natural or organic method that works on a few insects and not at all on others.
Quarterly Pest Control FAQ's
Do you offer exclusion for homeowners?
Yes we do. We are able to do minor exclusion work like applying a waterproof silicone around all potential entry points to help keep insects out permanently.
As a homeowner, what can I do to keep pests out that does not involve the use of pesticides?
There are many proactive steps to keep pests out such as keeping limbs, branches, and leaves away from your home. Also make sure all entry points into your home are sealed up such as electrical, plumbing, phone, and HVAC pipes. Exclusion of entry points greatly eliminates pests within a home.
My home is kept clean so why do I have bugs?
Cleanliness alone cannot assure that you won't get bugs in your home. Some pests will enter into a home from fruit and groceries or latch on to your clothes and be carried into a home. Once inside, many pests can find plenty to eat even in the cleanest of homes.
I have ants in my house every spring. Is there some way to prevent them?
Yes there is. Our pest control products have been highly effective in controlling ants in a home.
I am concerned about the use of pesticides in my home, but I don't want these bugs in my house. What can be done?
It depends on which type of pest you have in your house. During our initial inspection we will determine which bug you have and the severity of the problem. Products can then be recommended based on that pest's life cycle, preferred harborage, and food source. Our goal is to eliminate the pest and then apply products outdoors during our quarterly inspections to keep pests from returning back into your home, keeping pesticides and pests outdoors.
Termite Bait Stations FAQ's
Are termite bait stations safe for my children and pets?
Yes, termite bait stations have a lockable cap that is designed to minimize tampering by children and pets.
What are some of the advantages of termite bait stations over liquid termite treatments?
Termite bait stations can be used without chemicals to test for the presence of termites, and if a presence is found it then can be replaced with baited cellulose. This allows an eco-friendly method in detecting and then controlling termites.
Termite bait stations may be used in situations where liquid termite treatments are prohibited, such as near water sources that could become contaminated.
What are some of the disadvantages of termite bait stations over liquid termite treatments?
Termite bait stations use slow-acting toxins, whereas, liquid termite treatments will kill termites more quickly.
Termite bait stations need to be monitored quarterly even after a colony has been eradicated since the baits used in the bait stations do not offer any residual effects in the soil preventing future infestations.
Will my mower hit the termite bait stations, since they are located around the perimeter of my home?
No, the termite bait stations have a low profile to not interfere with mowers, weed eaters and foot traffic.
Termite FAQ's
What treatment methods are used to control termites?
The two most common options are either liquid treatments or bait stations.
Which termite service is best in protecting my home?
Both of our termite services (bait stations & liquid treatments) are highly effective in protecting a home from termites, however, our licensed and trained pest control professionals will suggest a termite control program that is the right level of protection for your home or a treatment approach of any activity found at the time of an inspection.
What are the most common signs of termites?
Termite damage is typically found within the inner walls of a home or structure and can be difficult to know if a termite problem exist. However, there are three warning signs to look for to help determine if indeed there is a problem:
Hollow Wood - Check for termites by using a solid object like a hammer and tapping wood surfaces around windows, doors, baseboard, flooring, floor joists and other exposed wood. Damaged wood will sound hollow and extremely damaged wood will fall apart or the hammer head will easily penetrate the surface.
Mud Tubes - Termites will create mud tubes as a means for shelter for their travel routes over exterior surfaces like concrete, brick or other non-wood materials. These mud tubes are in similar size to a drinking straw and can be several feet in length allowing termites a means to enter a home or building structure.
Termites, Dead or Alive - Look around windows, doors, heating and cooling vents, bathrooms and light fixtures. Dead or live termites or termite wings are often the first sign of a termite infestation.
How long do termites live?
Studies have shown that worker termites only live for 1 - 2 years while a queen termite can live up to 50 years.
My home was inspected and no termites were found, should I still schedule a termite treatment?
Yes, a termite infestation can go unnoticed until a serious problem exists. 80% of the wood they eat is hidden within walls and can be difficult to detect. Some of our treatment plans can provide up to 20 years of protection as it is better to proactively keep your home safe before their destruction is noticed.
Will a builder of a new home protect it from termites?
Typically not, unless you or your mortgage lender has specifically requested a soil pre-treatment for control of subterranean termites during construction.
How often should I have my home inspected for termites?
We recommend an annual inspection.
Can termites make their way through concrete?
Termites can get through a crack of only 1/32nd of an inch and will typically enter through cracks and penetration points such as plumbing and electrical. Termite can't go through solid concrete, but can make mud tubes for travel route around solid surface.
Can termites create a colony within a building structure?
Not very likely as the inside of a structure typically will not have enough moisture for survival of a termite colony. While a building structure can provide a suitable food source, worker termites will travel back and forth from a building structure to a colony in the ground.
Why do winged termites lose their wings?
Winged termites or swarmers will only fly short distances from their nest to build a new colony. Once that is accomplished they lose their wings.