FAQ

Termites are small colonizing insects that feed on mostly cellulose, which could be plant fibers at any stage of decay.

There are several types of termites. The most common and destructive termite in southern Arizona is the subterranean. Subterranean termites and drywood termites tend to be more active in warmer climates.

Termites themselves are usually hidden, so seeing them is rare. Subterranean termites are usually a white/yellowish color and are similar in size to ants. You are more likely to find evidence of termite activity than to see them. Evidence can include mud tubes, blisters in wood flooring, hollowed or damaged wood, and evidence of swarms, like clusters of wings and drywood termite droppings.

Over $5 billion in damages in the US alone. Termites cause more damage than fire, floods, and other natural disasters. Termites’ threat to wood-based structures is of high priority.

Termite problems are usually a question of when you get them versus if you get termites. There is not much you can do to prevent them, but make sure you’ve had a termite treatment within the last 5 years or have an ongoing protection plan. You should have a warranty with either plan to keep you protected.

Another step when preventing termite activity is to keep conducive conditions under control. For example, a house with a corner covered by vines produces a conducive condition for termites to begin their activity, as well as other pests to become a nuisance entering your home.

Treatments depend on the termite infestation. There are two treatment options; a conventional liquid treatment or a termite baiting system. To help a property owner form such an executive decision, a termite inspection must be completed.

This depends on what type of treatment is needed. Termite treatments can include getting into hard-to-reach areas and areas you never thought of, like behind outlets or other power sources. We would highly advise not treating for termites on your own. This is NOT a DIY job.

Yes, the U.S. is experiencing a huge resurgence of bed bugs in epidemic levels.

Everywhere! Anywhere that humans rest, bed bugs can be found. Bed bugs can be found at hotels, motels, dormitories, apartments, condos, private homes, movie theaters, and public transportation!

All 50 states have been affected by bed bugs. Generally, the more populated or congested the cities are, the bigger the size of the bed bug problem.

Bed bugs can survive temperatures from nearly freezing to 122 degrees and can also go several months without feeding. This makes bed bug removal impossible to treat with DIY measures. The biggest concern is how easily they are spread, which is one of the major factors of the bed bug resurgence in the U.S.

Be very careful about thrift shopping for used clothes and furniture. Handle clothes and luggage with caution when returning home from trips. Do NOT place any luggage or contents on your bed after travel.

No, bed bugs can be anywhere they can come in contact with humans, including but not limited to hotels, motels, dormitories, apartments, condos, private homes, movie theaters, and public transportation!

Contacting a professional is highly advised. Due to the complex habits and biology of bed bugs, tailor-made bed bug treatments are required for each situation in order to ensure elimination.

Bed bugs have not been known to carry any diseases but are an invasive nuisance that affect humans and pets in the home.

Bees, wasps, scorpions, centipedes, and ants. When stinging insects live near humans, situations can arise that cause them to attack. This presents serious health concerns and liability for property owners.

Yes. People who are allergic to insect stings are vulnerable. Bee and wasp attacks have been known to hospitalize and even kill people and animals.

Peak times for stinging insects are usually the warmer months of the year.

It is very dangerous and can lead to serious injury and even death. In the case of Africanized honeybees, cases have occurred where hundreds and thousands of bees have descended on people and animals that died as a result of their stings.

Bees and wasps can make a home in and around property that can be damaging. When stinging insects are living in close proximity to humans, situations can arise that cause them to attack. This presents serious health concerns and liability for property owners.

Mosquitoes have been known to carry and transmit viruses.

West Nile virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. It is a member of the family Flaviviridae, specifically from the genus Flavivirus, which also contains the Zika virus, Dengue virus, and yellow fever virus. West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes.

About 1,700 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year. The vast majority of cases in the United States are in travelers and immigrants returning from countries where malaria transmission occurs.

Most Americans infected with Dengue Fever were infected while traveling abroad. Outbreaks in the United States have been relatively small and limited to small areas.

Mosquitoes are usually attracted to areas with sitting water or moisture. Any items that can retain sitting water should be turned over or removed.

Ask friends and neighbors to recommend companies they have used successfully.

Most pest professionals will not guarantee a pest free home. The key is to control the pest situation with the idea of having a relatively pest-free home.

Yes! Essential Pest Control uses treatments that are designed for insect biology and are relatively harmless to pets.