Will the chemicals harm my family or pets?

All pesticides used by BUSH are tested extensively for adverse effects on health. Before a product can be used, numerous studies are conducted by the manufacturer and independently evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Based on the current body of knowledge, registered pesticides pose no significant hazard to humans, pets or the environment when applied according to label directions. Despite the negligible health risk from a properly performed treatment, people with lingering concerns should consult their physician. Most of the newer liquid products have essentially no odor. The primary concern with any pesticide is from improper application - and this is another reason to consult a professional, rather than trying to "do-it-your-self".

Where do household bugs come from?  I keep my home clean...

Sometimes it's tough to remember that the bugs have a fairly simple and basic approach to life.  Most bugs only come inside when the outside becomes less hospitable.  During the summer, the heat dries up the ground and forces ants inside to search for new sources of moisture.  They are not only looking for food, but also moisture - even just the condensation from pipes can attract bugs.  What can you do?  Tighten up leaky faucets.  Seal gaps in plumbed fixtures.  Create a barrier around your living space that makes the ants seek refuge at your neighbor's.    During the winter, rats and mice find that many of their normal food sources are gone.  The cold sends many rodents inside to search for food, nest materials, and warmth.  Seal up all gaps greater than 1/4".  Roaches can often come in with food or boxes from your local grocery store. Avoid the storage of brown paper sacks and cardboard.

When can I expect to see results from a professional pest control service?

The results should be almost immediate in most cases (sometimes rodents take a little longer).  A proper pest service always begins with an inspection.  For ants, we seek out the nest, generally outside of the home.  Once we eliminate the nest, your ant problems are over - until a new colony finds its way in.  With our maintenance programs, if you ever have a problem between regular services, all you need to do is call us and we'll send someone out A.S.A.P. to take care of the problem.

How much does a regular pest control service cost?

Prices are wholly dependent upon the size of the house. We offer both spot treatments and regular maintenence service.  A maintenence contract cuts down on the inconvenience of scheduling more frequent visits - and it can actually save you money by preventing infestations - we all know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!  Also, mention you found us on the internet and get a 10% discount on your first service!

Why worry about termites - I don't see any evidence of them?
 
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline. While buildings may become infested at any time, termites are of particular importance when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale. Besides the monetary impact, thousands of winged termites emerging inside one's home are an emotionally trying experience — not to mention the thought of termites silently feasting on one's largest investment.

Can I treat the house myself?

Ridding a home of termites requires special skills. A knowledge of building construction is needed to identify the critical areas where termites are likely to enter. Many of these potential points of entry are hidden and difficult to access. Termite control also utilizes specialized equipment such as masonry drills, pumps, large-capacity tanks, and soil treatment rods. A typical treatment may involve hundreds of gallons of a liquid pesticide, known as a termiticide, injected into the ground alongside the foundation, beneath concrete slabs, and within foundation walls.

In short, termite treatment is a job for professionals. A possible exception would be if a mailbox post, sandbox or other small wooden object not attached to the house was infested. "Do-it-yourself" products, sold to homeowners at retail stores or bought over the internet, will seldom eradicate an existing termite problem.

How do I choose a termite control company? Why is there such variance in price?

These are complex questions. The company should be licensed by the Department of Agriculture or agency responsible for regulating termite control in the state. Membership in their state pest control association and/or National Pest Management Association suggest the company is an established firm with access to technical and training information needed to do the job correctly. As with any service company, references are invaluable.

Companies offer different types of treatment methods and warranties. If termites happen to return, most will retreat the affected area(s) at no additional charge. Some companies also will repair damage occurring subsequent to their treatment, although dating onset of damage is a hard thing to determine. In some cases, no warranty will be offered if wells, cisterns, subslab heating ducts, drainage systems, or inaccessible crawl spaces make it impossible to treat in accordance with industry standards.

Take your time when selecting a company. Termites damage wood slowly; the amount of damage caused by taking an additional day, week, or month to make an informed decision generally is insignificant. Avoid firms that try to pressure you into signing a contract immediately with "specials" or scare tactics. The overall quality of the job depends less on the sales person than on the individual who does the work. A safe and effective treatment requires an experienced technician, not someone who was hired a few weeks ago.