FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Pest Control in Denton, Texas
At Pest Control Xperts, we believe that an informed customer is our best partner in keeping homes and businesses pest-free. We understand that discovering pests in your home can be stressful and confusing. Whether you are hearing noises in your attic in Krum or seeing ants in your kitchen in Lewisville, you likely have questions about how the process works, what products we use, and what you can expect from a professional service.
We have compiled this comprehensive guide to answer the most common questions we receive from our neighbors in Denton County. We cover everything from general safety concerns to specific strategies for termites, bed bugs, and rodents. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please reach out to us for assistance. We are here to provide clear, honest answers and effective solutions.
General Pest Control Questions
Do you provide pest control services in my neighborhood?
We are a locally focused company serving the heart of North Texas. Our primary service area includes Denton, Lewisville, and Krum. We also frequently service properties in Corinth, Shady Shores, Lake Dallas, Argyle, Sanger, and Ponder. We understand the specific pest pressures in these communities, from the rural pests found in agricultural areas to the urban pests common in downtown districts.
How soon can you come out for a pest inspection?
We prioritize dependable scheduling. In many cases, we can schedule an inspection within a few days of your initial contact. During peak pest seasons, such as the spring termite swarm or the fall rodent migration, our schedule can fill up quickly. We recommend contacting us as soon as you notice activity so we can secure a time that works for you.
Do you offer residential pest control and commercial pest services?
Yes, we serve a diverse range of clients. Our residential pest control services are designed to protect single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Our commercial pest services cover businesses such as restaurants, offices, retail stores, warehouses, and multi-unit housing complexes. We tailor our approach to the specific regulatory and operational needs of each environment.
Do you offer green pest control or organic pest control options?
We utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as our standard operating procedure. This approach prioritizes inspection, exclusion, and sanitation before chemical application. When products are necessary, we offer environmentally friendly pest control options, including botanically based products and low-toxicity baits. We focus on targeted application—putting the product exactly where the pest is—rather than broad spraying, which reduces exposure for your family and the local ecosystem.
Is the treatment safe for my children and pets?
Safety is our top priority. We use professional pest control products that are approved for use in residential settings when applied according to the label. We generally ask that children and pets remain out of the treated area during the application and until the products have completely dried. This usually takes a few hours. We will provide specific safety instructions based on the treatment plan we develop for your home.
Do I need to leave my home during the service?
For most general pest control services, such as exterior perimeter treatments or gel baiting for roaches, you do not need to leave. However, for more intensive treatments like flea control or bed bug eradication, we will ask you to vacate the property for a specified period to ensuring the treatment settles safely. We will always let you know in advance what is required.
Why do I see more bugs after you spray?
It is very common to see an increase in activity immediately following a treatment. Many of our products are “flush agents” designed to drive pests out of their hiding spots so they come into contact with the control material. Seeing disoriented or slow-moving insects a few days after service is actually a sign that the treatment is working effectively.
Ant Control Questions
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray them?
Ants are social insects that live in large colonies. The ants you see foraging in your kitchen are only a tiny fraction of the population. When you spray them with over-the-counter products, you kill the workers, but the queen remains safe in the nest. In fact, some sprays can cause “budding,” where the colony splits into multiple smaller colonies to survive. Our ant control methods use slow-acting baits that workers carry back to the nest, eliminating the queen and the colony at the source.
Do you handle carpenter ants?
Yes, carpenter ant removal is one of our specialties. These ants are often mistaken for termites because they damage wood. However, they do not eat the wood; they hollow it out to build nests. We locate the parent colony (often outdoors in a tree stump) and the satellite colonies inside your walls to stop the structural damage.
How do I prevent ants from entering my kitchen?
Sanitation and exclusion are key. Keep countertops free of crumbs and sticky spills. Store sugar and pet food in airtight containers. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing pipes where ants enter. Removing the food source and blocking the entry points forces ants to look elsewhere.
What is the difference between fire ants and regular house ants?
Fire ants are an aggressive, stinging species that typically nest outdoors in sunny areas, creating large mounds. They are a safety hazard for pets and children. “House ants” usually refers to Odorous House Ants or similar nuisance species that invade interiors looking for sweets or water but do not sting. We have specific treatment protocols for both yard-destroying fire ants and kitchen-invading nuisance ants.
Bed Bug Control Questions
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
The most reliable signs are physical evidence. Look for rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses (caused by crushed bugs), dark spots (excrement) about this size of a period marker, and tiny white eggs or eggshells. You may also see the bugs themselves hiding in folds of bedding or furniture. Bites are a common symptom, often appearing in lines or clusters, but bite reactions vary widely from person to person.
Can I get rid of bed bugs on my own?
DIY bed bug eradication is rarely successful. Bed bugs are incredibly resilient and can survive for months without feeding. They have also developed resistance to many common pesticides found in foggers and sprays. Professional treatment is necessary to target all life stages, including the eggs, and to reach the deep hiding spots in walls and furniture where DIY products cannot reach.
Do I need to throw away my mattress and furniture?
In most cases, no. We can treat your mattress and box spring effectively. We often recommend encasing the mattress and box spring in a bug-proof cover after treatment to trap any remaining pests and prevent re-infestation. Heavily infested furniture may sometimes need to be discarded, but we always try to save your property whenever possible.
How do I prepare for a bed bug treatment?
Preparation is critical. We will provide a detailed checklist, but the main tasks involve reducing clutter, washing all bedding and clothing in hot water, and drying on high heat. You will also need to move furniture away from walls to give our technicians access to baseboards. Failure to prepare properly can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the service.
How did I get bed bugs?
Bed bugs are hitchhikers. They do not fly or jump; they crawl onto luggage, purses, or clothing. You can pick them up in hotels, dorm rooms, public transportation, or even waiting rooms. In multi-unit housing like apartments, they can also migrate between units through wall voids and electrical outlets.
Cockroach Control Questions
How long does it take to get rid of a roach infestation?
The timeline depends on the species and the severity of the infestation. For German cockroaches, which reproduce rapidly, it typically takes a few weeks to achieve complete control. We have to break the egg cycle, which requires treating hatching nymphs over time. You should see a significant reduction in activity within the first week, but patience is required for total elimination.
What is the difference between German roaches and water bugs?
German cockroaches are small (about 1/2 inch), light brown, and typically infest kitchens and bathrooms. They live indoors and are associated with sanitation issues or hitchhiking in boxes. “Water bugs” usually refers to American or Oriental cockroaches. These are much larger, dark brown or black, and typically live outdoors or in drains/sewers, entering homes only occasionally for water or shelter. The treatment strategy is very different for each.
Why do I have roaches in a clean house?
While poor sanitation helps roaches thrive, even clean homes can get them. German roaches can be brought in on grocery bags, used appliances, or deliveries. Outdoor roaches can enter through small gaps in weather stripping or weep holes seeking moisture. Once inside, they can survive on very small amounts of food and water, hiding in cracks where you cannot clean.
Do you use bug bombs for roaches?
No, we generally avoid “bug bombs” or foggers. These products release a mist that settles on surfaces but does not penetrate the cracks and crevices where roaches actually nest. In fact, the fumes often irritate the roaches, causing them to scatter deeper into the walls and spreading the infestation. We use targeted gel baits and insect growth regulators placed directly into harborage areas for superior results.
Spider Control Questions
Are the spiders in my house dangerous?
Most spiders in Denton, like Wolf Spiders and House Spiders, are harmless and actually help control other insect populations. However, we do have two medically significant species: the Brown Recluse and the Black Widow. The Brown Recluse is light brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back, and the Black Widow is shiny black with a red hourglass. If you suspect you have these, do not attempt to handle them. Contact us for professional removal.
How do I stop spiders from building webs on my porch?
Spiders build webs where there is food. If you have webs on your porch, it is likely because porch lights are attracting moths and flies. We recommend switching your exterior bulbs to yellow sodium vapor lights, which attract fewer insects. We also perform de-webbing services to remove existing webs and egg sacs, discouraging spiders from rebuilding in the same spot.
Why do I see Wolf Spiders inside in the fall?
As temperatures drop in North Texas, Wolf Spiders and other hunting species seek warmth and shelter. They often enter under doors with worn sweeps or through weep holes. Since they are ground hunters, they don’t build webs but are often seen scurrying across floors. Exclusion (sealing entry points) is the best defense against these seasonal invaders.
Flea and Tick Control Questions
Do I need to treat the yard for fleas?
Yes. Treating the interior of your home addresses the active infestation, but the yard is often the source. Fleas thrive in shaded, moist soil. If you do not treat the exterior, your pets will simply reintroduce fleas every time they go outside. We treat the specific harborage zones in your yard to create a comprehensive defense.
How quickly does flea treatment work?
You will see a reduction in adult fleas quickly. However, the pupal stage (cocoon) of the flea is resistant to all pesticides. You may see newly hatched fleas for up to two weeks after treatment. This is normal. We use Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) to ensure these new fleas cannot reproduce, and vacuuming daily helps stimulate them to hatch so they contact the treatment and die.
What tick diseases should I be worried about in Texas?
Ticks in our area can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease (though less common than in the Northeast), and Ehrlichiosis. The risk increases the longer a tick is attached. Regular tick checks on yourself and your pets after being outdoors are essential. Our yard treatments significantly reduce the tick population to lower this risk.
Can wildlife bring fleas into my yard?
Absolutely. Opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and feral cats are major carriers of fleas and ticks. If these animals are crossing your property or living under your deck, they are dropping flea eggs constantly. Part of our flea control strategy involves identifying and managing wildlife activity around your home.
Termite Treatment Questions
What signs suggest I might have termites?
The most common signs are mud tubes (pencil-sized tunnels) on your foundation, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings near windows or doors. You might also see “swarmers” (winged termites) emerging inside the home in the spring. However, termites can eat wood from the inside out without showing visible signs for years, which is why professional inspections are crucial.
How often should I have my home inspected for termites?
We recommend a professional termite inspection at least once a year. In Denton’s clay soil, foundations shift, which can create new entry points for termites. Regular inspections allow us to catch activity early before expensive structural damage occurs.
Which is better: liquid treatment or bait stations?
Both are effective, but the best choice depends on your property. Liquid treatments create an immediate chemical barrier in the soil and are often preferred for active infestations. Bait stations are excellent for long-term monitoring and prevention, especially in situations where drilling concrete is not ideal. We will recommend the best method based on your home’s construction and specific needs.
Does a termite treatment protect against other pests?
Standard liquid termite treatments are specifically designed for termites and are applied deep in the soil, so they have limited effect on surface pests like ants or spiders. However, protecting your home from moisture issues—a key part of termite prevention—helps deter many other pests as well.
Do you offer Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) reports for real estate?
Yes. If you are buying or selling a home in Denton, Lewisville, or Krum, we provide thorough WDI reports. We inspect for termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles, giving you an honest assessment of the property’s condition.
Rodent Control Questions
Why do I hear scratching in my attic at night?
Noises in the attic at night are a strong indicator of rodents, likely rats or mice, though raccoons are also possible. Roof rats are common in our area and are excellent climbers. They enter through roof vents, eaves, and gaps in the soffit. Ignoring these sounds can lead to chewed wires and damaged insulation.
How do mice get into my house?
Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. Common entry points include weep holes in brick veneer, gaps around AC coolant lines, worn weather stripping on garage doors, and unsealed roof returns. Our rodent control service includes a detailed inspection to find and seal these exclusion points.
Do you use poison to kill rats inside the house?
We prefer trapping and removal for interior rodent issues. Using poison inside can lead to rodents dying in inaccessible wall voids, resulting in severe odors and secondary pest problems (like flies). We use tamper-resistant bait stations on the exterior to reduce the population pressure, but interior control is focused on physical removal and exclusion.
How do I clean up after a rodent infestation?
Rodent droppings can carry pathogens and allergens. It is important not to sweep or vacuum fresh droppings, as this kicks up dust particles that can be inhaled. We recommend wearing a mask and gloves, spraying the area with a disinfectant, and wiping it up. For large cleanups, we offer professional sanitation services to ensure the area is safe.
What is exclusion work?
Exclusion is the process of physically modifying your home to keep pests out. This involves installing weep hole covers, sealing holes with steel wool and caulk, screening vents with hardware cloth, and installing door sweeps. It is the only way to provide long-term rodent control.
Billing, Scheduling, and Service Area
What areas do you serve?
We focus our services on Denton County and the immediate surrounding areas. Our core service cities are Denton, Lewisville, and Krum. However, we also have technicians regularly servicing Corinth, Shady Shores, Lake Dallas, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Argyle, Sanger, Ponder, Northlake, and Justin. If you are unsure if you are in our range, just ask.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
We offer flexible service options. While we recommend quarterly maintenance plans for the best long-term results and prevention, we also offer one-time services for specific issues. We believe in earning your business with every visit, not locking you in with confusing paperwork.
What happens if pests come back between scheduled visits?
If you are on one of our recurring service plans, we provide re-service at no additional charge for covered pests between visits. If you see activity, simply reach out to us for assistance, and we will return to address the issue.
How do I pay for my service?
We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. For your convenience, we also offer online bill pay and auto-pay options for recurring service plans, making pest control one less thing you have to worry about.
What happens during the first visit?
Your first visit typically starts with a conversation. The technician will ask you about what you have seen and where. Then, we perform a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior. Based on our findings, we will explain the treatment plan and perform the initial service, which usually includes an interior treatment of target areas and a comprehensive exterior perimeter application. We will also point out any conducive conditions or repairs needed.
Do you offer emergency pest control?
We understand that some situations, like a bat in the house or a severe stinging insect attack, require immediate attention. We make every effort to provide emergency response when our schedule allows. Please contact us immediately if you have an urgent safety concern.
Conclusion
We hope this FAQ page has helped answer your questions about pest control in Denton, Texas. At Pest Control Xperts, we are dedicated to providing transparent, effective, and safe services for our community. We know that every home and every infestation is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns and customize our approach.
If you are ready to get started, or if you have a question that was not covered here, we are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and take the first step toward a pest-free property.
Zip codes we serve: 76201, 76205, 76207, 76208, 76209, 76210, 75057, 75067, 75077, 76249, 76226, 76227, 76259, 76266
