Frequently Asked
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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What types of pests can you help me with?

With almost 40 years in the industry, Pest Control Center can help with many different pests, including ants, termites, cockroaches, and rodents. We are happy to provide assistance with any situation you may be facing, from kitchen invaders to yard nuisances.

How do I know if I need pest control services?

Pest control services can help with many different pest problems and even prevent pest infestations. Look for signs like ant trails, rodent droppings, spider webs, mosquito bites, or sticky residue from tree aphids. Performing periodic inspections will help know when you need pest control services. Schedule your free pests evaluation here.

What makes Pest Control Center different?

Being a family-owned and operated company, we focus on results and customer service. We don’t have time restrictions or daily quotas; we care about our customers and view them as part of the family.

How do I get started?

Contact us via our website or call (916) 344-4400 for Sacramento or (530) 622-4810 for the Foothills. We’ll respond quickly, discuss your needs, educate you on services, and schedule an appointment. We’re excited to welcome you to the Pest Control Center family!

Do I have to sign a contract?

We require a one year agreement with a $100 cancelation fee with a 30 day notice. After your first year, the agreement auto renews month to month, and you may cancel at any time without a fee.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! A 5% discount can be applied to you regular service amount if you pay for a year in full. Customers with active service also receive exclusive discounts on pest, termite, and horticultural services and free rodent inspections.

Can I pay my bill online?

Yes! Click here to access your customer portal and view your account.

Are your treatments safe for pets and children?

Yes! Our treatments are designed to be safe for both pets and children when applied as directed and kept off treated areas until dry. We offer a full line of environmentally friendly products as well.

What if I see pests after treatment?

If you notice pests between scheduled services, simply contact us. Our quarterly service includes a 30 day guarantee, and monthly/bi-monthly services are guaranteed year-round.

Cockroaches

I found a cockroach inside; do I need to remove everything from my cabinets?

Depending on the species of cockroach will determine the treatment method. Let us identify the cockroach and review your options with you.

Does this insect require multiple services?

Depending on the severity of the infestation, multiple treatments may be required to completely control the German cockroach population. However, if the area is properly prepped and the treatment is done correctly, infestations can often be controlled quickly and effectively. Follow-up services will be scheduled as needed to ensure continued success.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No, you do not need to sign a contract. Our Pest Prevention German Cockroach service is a one-time treatment specifically designed to target and control your current infestation. Once the infestation is under control, the service is considered complete. We don't lock you into long-term commitments!

What’s the difference between this German cockroach and the cockroach I see outside?

There are many different species of cockroaches, and the German cockroach is quite different from those you might see outdoors. German cockroaches typically infest indoor areas, especially near food sources, trash, and in areas with warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels. In contrast, outdoor species tend to prefer cooler, more humid environments. German cockroaches are usually smaller and lighter in color. Proper identification is crucial, so we always recommend a positive identification before proceeding with treatment.

Does this service eliminate them forever?

This service is designed to control the current German cockroach infestation, but it does not guarantee that future infestations won’t occur. Keep in mind that German cockroaches don’t just wonder in from the streets. They are typically introduced into a space through items like groceries, used appliances, or furniture. Ensuring good sanitation practices and being mindful of what enters your home can greatly reduce the chances of a new infestation.

How long do I need to vacate for?

The reentry time varies depending on the specifics of your property. After each service, the technician will provide you with exact reentry timeframes. Best practices typically recommend vacating the property for 2-3 hours or until the treatment has dried and settled. Always follow the technician’s instructions to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Termites

What are the signs of a termite infestation?

Look for mud tubes along walls, soft or hollow-sounding wood, or discarded wings near windows. You might also notice bubbling paint or tiny holes in drywall. Schedule a free pests evaluation, and our licensed technicians will inspect and confirm termite activity with a customized treatment plan.

Do I need to tent my house for termites?

Fumigations are a great solution for termite infestations but not for subterranean termites. Give us a call for alternative treatment options, such as eco-friendly bait systems or liquid termiticides, which our licensed technicians apply to label specifics after a free pests evaluation.

Rodents

How do I know if I have rats or mice in my home?

Check for droppings, gnaw marks, or scampering noises in walls or ceilings. Nests in insulation or chewed wires are other signs. Our annual free complete rodent inspections, included in Pest Prevention plans, will confirm the issue.

What’s involved in rodent exclusion, and why is it important?

Rodent exclusion seals entry points—like gaps in walls, vents, or roofs—where rats or mice enter. Each entry is different and requires a customized seal. Combined with trapping, it prevents future infestations and is the most important part of your rodent control program.

What does the Complete Rodent Inspection include, and how much does it cost?

The Complete Rodent Inspection involves a visual inspection of the exterior of your property and attic space. Subareas will be visually inspected but not crawled. (subarea crawl inspection can be added at an additional cost). During the inspection, the technician will identify potential entry points and vulnerabilities. A diagram of your property will be created, and all findings will be itemized with prices assigned for services like exclusion, trapping, or clean and disinfects. Cost is customized based on inspection.

Why is the Exclusion & Repair process so important?

The Exclusion & Repair step is crucial because it focuses on sealing off all potential entry points that rodents use to get inside your home. If we can prevent rodents from entering, we can eliminate the problem for good. Each exclusion solution is tailored to your property’s unique needs and is backed by a 1-year warranty. Without proper exclusion, trapping alone will not fully resolve the issue.

How does the Trapping Program work?

The Rodent Trapping Program starts with setting a minimum of 5 traps in strategic locations inside your property. These traps will be monitored, reset, rebaited, and adjusted during 3  scheduled follow-up visits. Any rodents caught during this program will be safely removed and disposed of at a hazardous waste site.

What is included in the rodent bait station add-on?

A tamper resistant bait station will be installed on the exterior to help control the rodent population around the property. Each station will be monitored and serviced at the time of each regular service visit. If you are experiencing rodents inside, please contact us for a Complete Rodent inspection service first.

How often will the Rodent Monitoring Service visit my property, and what does it include?

Our Rodent Monitoring Service helps reduce the rodent population on your property by using tamper-resistant bait stations (TRBS). We will place 4 TRBS around your property, and during each visit, a licensed technician will inspect the stations, document any rodent activity, and replace or refill the rodenticide as needed. The technician will also perform a visual rodent inspection of the property to ensure no new entry points have been created. All removed rodenticides will be disposed of safely.

Do I need to complete the Exclusion step before starting the Trapping or Monitoring services?

No, the Exclusion step can be performed in conjunction with the Rodent Trapping Program step. It is Important to do it in conjunction with the exclusion because if we don’t seal the entry points, other rodents may continue to get inside. Without proper exclusion, the infestation may not be fully eliminated. We highly recommend completing this step to ensure the long-term success of your rodent control program. Additionally, if exclusion is not completed, trapping services can still be extended, but we cannot guarantee that the infestation will be fully resolved.

Bed Bugs

How can I tell if I have bed bugs in my home?

Look for small, reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, or dark spots (droppings) on mattresses, sheets, or furniture. Itchy bites in a line or cluster are another sign. Schedule a free pests evaluation, and our licensed technicians will inspect and confirm bed bug activity.

What do I need to prepare for a bed bug treatment?

Wash and dry bedding, clothes, and curtains on high heat, and vacuum floors and furniture. Move items away from walls for access. Our licensed technicians will provide detailed instructions during your free pests evaluation to ensure a smooth, effective treatment.

Are your bed bug treatments safe for my family and pets?

Yes! When applied to label specifics and with your help following our instructions, treatments are safe for your family and pets. Our licensed technicians ensure minimal exposure, educating you throughout the process for peace of mind.

Burrowing Animals

What types of burrowing animals can you help with?

Pest Control Center can assist with burrowing animals like gophers, moles, and ground squirrels common in Sacramento and the Foothills. Schedule a free pests evaluation, and our licensed technicians will identify the animal and recommend a customized treatment plan.

What damage can burrowing animals cause?

Gophers and moles can ruin lawns, gardens, and tree roots with their tunnels, while ground squirrels may chew irrigation lines. Our free pests evaluation identifies damage, and our licensed technicians perform customized treatments to protect your property.

Mosquitoes

What is included in the Mosquito Service Add-On?

A set of two industry leading In2Care mosquito stations will be installed in designated areas by the technician. When a female mosquito lands inside the trap, she picks up a combination of larvicide and fungicide. She spreads the larvicide to other breeding sites, effectively reducing the mosquito population.

How does the Mosquito Station Service work?

Our licensed technicians place In2Care stations in shaded, vegetated areas. Female mosquitoes enter, pick up eco-friendly larvicide and fungicide, and spread it to other breeding sites, killing larvae and adults within days. This disrupts the mosquito life cycle for lasting results.

Are In2Care mosquito stations safe for my family, pets, or beneficial insects?

Yes! When used to label specifics, the eco-friendly biocides in In2Care stations have low toxicity and minimal impact on people, pets, birds, or beneficial insects like bees. Our licensed technicians place stations in designated areas and secure them to ensure safety.

How can I make In2Care mosquito stations more effective?

Eliminate standing water in pots, gutters, or birdbaths to reduce breeding sites. Keep grass trimmed and follow our licensed technicians’ instructions during regular service visits. Schedule a free pests evaluation to optimize station placement for your yard.

Have a Pest Problem That Just Won't Quit?

Give us a call. We’ll take care of it – so you can get back to everything else.

📍 Sacramento Office: (916) 344-4400
📍 El Dorado Hills Office: (530) 622-4810

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