Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting a Pest Control Professional

1. What should a homeowner look for when selecting a pest control professional?
A qualified and licensed pest management company that is a member of national, state or local pest management associations. Buy value, not price. Before signing a contract, be sure to fully understand the nature of the pest, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem.  With Nader's STEPS Total Protection System, our trained professionals will inspect to pinpoint pest issues, identify not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem and treat in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and help prevent any future recurrence.

2. If you hire a pest control professional, are you guaranteed a pest-free home?
Pest control companies differ in their guarantees. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing prevention and management are necessary. It is important that homeowners remain active participants before, during and after all pest control treatments. This type of vigilance helps the homeowner better understand their contract and possible guarantee, and helps the Pest Management Company understand the homeowners expectations.

Pest Control

1. I have roaches in my home and have tried sprays and "bombs" and these don't seem to be working. What else can I do?
Cockroaches can be very difficult to control because so many things can contribute to their survival such as food, water and shelter. Aerosol bombs are not very effective in controlling cockroaches however proper placement of the other materials is the key to success. Nader's Pest Raiders service professionals can assist in controlling cockroaches as well as other pests.

2. We have bugs in our house. Can I get something to spray that is "child friendly" but will get rid of the bugs?
In order to control and/or eradicate the insects you must first eliminate their food sources, nesting areas (if any), entry points, etc. With Nader's STEPS Total Protection System, our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach identifies not only the pests but the true cause of the problem.   We will then treat in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and help prevent any future recurrence

3. I have bees drilling holes in my house. What can I do and will they sting?
The bees you are describing sound like carpenter bees. They bore into wood to nest and lay eggs. They are not very aggressive, and the male (white spot on face) does not sting. There isn't a lot that can be done to prevent this from happening however it is important to treat the holes and then seal them as the bees will reuse the holes each year.

Bedbugs

1. Bed bugs have been all over the news lately. Has there really been resurgence in bed bugs in the U.S.?
Bed bugs have been all over the news because there HAS been an increase in bed bug infestations. Pest control companies who received 1 or 2 bed bug calls a year are now reporting 1 to 2 each week!  According to research conducted by the National Pest Management Association bed bug reports have increased 71% from 2000 to 2005.

2. Are bed bugs a real problem?
Yes - they are a real problem! Bed bugs are resilient pests that are known for their superior hitchhiking abilities. They can travel easily from room to room within a house or from hotel to home via suitcases. They are extremely difficult to remove and require the precision and experience of an experienced pest professional to entirely eliminate an infestation.

3. Why are bed bugs so hard to treat?
Bed bugs are VERY elusive, transient and nocturnal pests. Bed bugs are also equated with filth or sanitation problems, which is NOT true. They are often found in clean homes in other areas besides the bed. They can also live for a year or more without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. How does one control bed bugs?
Any effective bed bug control strategy should start with a careful, thorough home evaluation by Nader's. This is not a pest that can be controlled effectively with do-it-yourself measures.   With Nader's STEPS Total Protection System, our trained professionals will inspect to pinpoint pest issues, identify not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem and develop a treatment and control strategy with the customer depending on the extent of the infestation.

Termites

1. What are termites?
Termites are wood-destroying insects. Their presence dates back to the dinosaurs. While they play an important role in nature, experts estimate they cause $5 billion of property damage each year.  There are three major kinds of termites in the United States; dampwood, drywood and subterranean.

2. How do you recognize termites?
Depending on your geographical location, termite swarms should be visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home (often near the foundation), and darkening or blistering of wood structures.

3. What can a homeowner do to prevent termites?
The most important thing is to remove the conducive conditions termites need to survive. Termites love moisture; avoid moisture accumulation around the foundation of your home. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents. Be sure to remove old form boards, grade stakes, etc., left in place after the building was constructed. Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. An 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building is ideal. It doesn't hurt to routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage. 

4. What is the most effective type of termite treatment?
Nader's Pest Raiders and the entire industry are committed to providing highly effective treatment options for all pest issues. The most effective type of treatment depends upon the severity of the infestation, the species of termite, and the location and construction of the home or building. Our trained and licensed pest control operators can assess each infestation separately and recommend a rigorous treatment plan that will effectively control the termite population.

Stinging Insects

1. What types of pests are included in the stinging insect category?
Several pests are included in this category. The most well known are bees, wasps and hornets. Some species of ants, such as fire ants, are included in this category as well.

2. Are stinging insects considered public health threats?
Stinging insects send half a million people to the emergency room each year. Although they are not labeled as public health threats, like mosquitoes that spread West Nile Virus, they are certainly dangerous. Homeowners who suspect a stinging insect infestation should not attempt to control the infestation by themselves.

3. What will a professional do to control stinging insects?
The first step in controlling any pest is to identify it correctly. There are many kinds of beneficial flies that closely resemble wasps, and there are many kinds of "solitary" wasps, such as sand wasps, which also look exactly the same as yellow jackets, but pose a lower hazard. After the type of pest is identified there are a variety of control methods that a professional could take. Nader's service professionals use an approach called integrated pest management, or IPM. This approach involves removing the pest's food, water and shelter. In the case of stinging insects, this could involve cleaning up your yard and sanitizing outdoor areas. Our professional will use appropriate steps and approaches to addressing the particular type of infestation. Vacuuming is a new technique in stinging insect control.

Mosquitoes

1. Are mosquitoes a real health threat?
Mosquitoes transmit at least three human diseases that have been found in the United States. All of them are potentially fatal. These diseases include West Nile Virus, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

2. What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1999. It can lead to serious complications of the liver or nervous system, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis or paralysis. It is the most widely known disease, likely due to its rapid spread throughout the nation. West Nile Virus has spread across the country from Pennsylvania to Washington state since 1999. More than 3,700 cases have been confirmed since that time. Forty-one states and Washington D.C. now have confirmed cases of West Nile.

3. What do you use to treat for mosquitoes?
Many homeowners erroneously believe that all pest management professionals do is spray products to treat their homes. This is simply not true anymore. As part of the STEPS Total Protection System, Nader's uses an Integrated Pest Management or IPM approach. IPM controls pests by getting rid of the three things they need to survive: food, shelter and water. And consumer education is a vital part of any IPM program. This approach consists of inspection, identification of the pests, employment of two or more control measures, and evaluation of effectiveness through follow-up inspections.

4. What can homeowners do to reduce the risks from mosquitoes?
There are many ways a homeowner can reduce the risks from mosquitoes:
• Eliminate or reduce mosquito breeding sites by replacing all standing water at least once a week. This includes bird baths, ponds and swimming pools.
• Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any standing water sources that cannot be changed, dumped or removed.
• Introduce mosquito-eating fish such as gambusia, green sunfish, bluegills and minnows to standing water.
• Screen windows, doors, and other openings with fine mesh, sealing around all screen edges and keeping doors and windows shut to prevent entry.
• Avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are most active: during dusk or dawn.
• Use repellent on exposed skin whenever and wherever mosquitoes are likely to bite. The most effective repellents currently available contain the active ingredient N,N-diethylbenzamide (DEET), in concentrations up to about 35% (greater concentrations don't offer better protection).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants, preferably treated with a repellent as well.

Pests, Pest Control & Asthma

1. What's the connection between pests and asthma in children? Could you explain it?
Cockroaches and rodents contain allergens that aggravate existing asthma in children.

2. How does pest control (commonly called exterminating) help alleviate asthma?
Proper pest control will help prevent or remove pests that can trigger asthma. The service professionals at Nader's can inspect the home for these pests, treat to get rid of them and provide homeowners tips to prevent reinfestation.