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Clients ask this question a lot: “Do I really need to have an assessment? Can’t we skip to the extermination part?”
We completely understand wanting to have your pest issue resolved as soon as humanly possible, but assessments are a vital part of the pest control process.
Assessments give you a whole picture of the pest situation and the ability to treat the source of the issue instead of the symptoms (i.e. pest sightings). They allow us to:
- Identify the target issue,
- Assess the scope of the issue, and
- Recommend the appropriate treatment for your situation.
Based on the findings from an assessment, we can also help recommend environmental adjustments to limit pest harborage or food sources.
MMPC specializes in 4 main types of pest control assessments:
- Treatment and Assessment
- Proofing / General Pest Assessment
- Canine Bed Bug Inspection
- Termite / WDI Inspection
Treatment and Assessment
Treatment and assessment is a great way to start combating your current pest issue while planning out future care. Our specialist technicians perform a standard pest treatment which, based on the target pest, may involve perimeter spraying with eco-friendly pesticide, monitoring and assessing pest activity levels with glue traps, and/or baiting with secure and discreet bait boxes.
This service is ideal for light levels of activity and first sightings of the pests. While treating, the specialist will assess the structure looking for potential entry points or nesting sites. The specialist will take photos of any potential entry points and make notes of where we could seal things up or provide regular service.
After the initial treatment and assessment, MMPC reviews the specialist’s notes and photos and come up with a customized plan of action for your situation. We will then email you a proposal for next steps and a report of all that we found. This report is yours to use as you will. There is no obligation to use us for the sealing work.
Proofing / General Pest Assessment
This type of assessment is ideal for pest situations that have been ongoing or that have been treated before, focusing solely on identifying nesting sites and entry points. No baits or traps will be placed, as typically these methods are currently in place or have been used in the past.
Proofing, or sealing off entry points using a combination of construction grade materials, may be recommended once we have the overall scope of the issue.
We will look over any treatments that have been attempted and make note of how we may be able to reinforce them or reseal them to our company’s standards. Our inspector will take the time to understand what has been attempted and see where we can offer additional assistance.
This assessment is also ideal for pest identification if you’re not certain what you are dealing with. Once identified, we can recommend an appropriate treatment.
Canine Bed Bug Inspection
This inspection is specifically for the detection of live bed bugs and bed bug eggs.
Even if you know that you have bed bugs, it’s often a good idea to get this inspection done in order to find all of their hiding spots and determine if the activity might be spreading through wall cavities into other rooms. A certified canine inspection is also critical in knowing if you have a contained or widespread issue, and helps inform you on which treatment to choose.
The team consists of a National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA) certified canine and their handler, both of which go through rigorous training together to ensure reliable inspection results.
They use scent detection to locate live bed bugs in the home as well as any viable eggs. The handler will follow up with a visual inspection of all areas inspected. Bedroom are usually the main focus for bed bugs, but we may also inspect the living room and offices and other such rooms where people spend a lot of time.
By the end of this inspection you will know:
- If you have bed bugs or not
- If so, where they are hiding
- The scope of the activity in the home
Termite / WDI Inspections
The common species of termites in New York are eastern subterranean termites, which live in colonies underground and can tunnel up and begin eating through the wood components of your home.
The goals of this inspection would be to:
- Identify the issue (i.e. determine if you have termites)
- Assess the overall scope of the infestation
- Recommend the appropriate treatment.
The inspector will use different instruments, such as an infrared sensor and moisture sensor, to locate areas of termite activity and see how extensive the infestation is.
Oftentimes, a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection is also required for the purchase of a home.
Though termites are most common, there are other wood-destroying insects in New York such as carpenter ants and carpenter bees. Treatment for each is very different so it is important to identify the problem first.
Conclusion
Pest assessments are a necessary part of truly effective pest control and treatment. With a full understanding of what pest we’re treating, what the most appropriate treatment would be, and a plan of action on treating the source of the infestation.
Even if you know what pest you are dealing with, assessments provide information on the spread of the infestation so that a thorough treatment can be done. With a full understanding of the situation, we will get you the pest relief you need.