Frequency of Pest Control Service

The frequency of pest control for ants falls under what is known as your general pest control service agreement.

You can find general pest control service agreements with all sorts of frequencies. The following three are the most common:

• monthly general pest service
• every other monthly pest service (often stated as bi-monthly pest service)
• quarterly general pest service

With the above three pest service agreements, it’s pretty clear that the pest control company will be inspecting and treating for ants at the set interval.

It is possible to find semi-annual and annual agreements. These are agreements where you pay once or twice per year, but by itself is not representative of how often the pest control company will treat your property for ants or other common household pests. Be sure to know if they will come monthly, every other month or quarterly. Recently, we have found companies that offer a discounted price to pay once per year with the understanding that it is strictly an insurance policy where they will only come out if you call them with a problem. So theoretically, they’ve earned their money if they come out once time or fifty times!

Going the other direction, pest control companies will be more than happy if you ask for a structured ant control service where they will come every week or every other week. If you have 4 teenagers at home or you have contracting for a relative with poor sanitary habits, it might be a good idea.

Frequency and Effectiveness of General Pest Service

First, it’s imperative for a consumer of general pest services for pests such as ants understand that the pests come back. Isn’t that why you are entering a maintenance agreement?

So, consider now what the impact will be for quality control of ants based on the frequency of service. Inspection and treatment for ants monthly is going to be more effective than treating the ants quarterly. It’s only logical.

What’s the Logic to Pest Control Frequency Options

Pest control companies look to make a profit for an honest, effective service. Time is money and people take time. That means customers and workers. Most pest control companies are happiest if they can get the job done with fewer service visits. In exchange they ask you to pay more! That’s right, in pest control you are asked to pay more for less frequent service.

Well, let’s look at this more clearly.

If you get a general pest control service (including ants of course) every quarterly at $99, that’s $398 per year. If all goes well, the pest control company made a good return for four service visits.

The same prospective customer might be charged $75 for every other month GP (general pest control), that’s $450 per year. If all goes well, the pest control company made a better yearly return on their investment, but not as good per hour as with quarterly service. The company has a better gross but not as good net revenue due to the higher labor cost and lower return per hour.

Taking the example one step further:
The same prospective customer might be charged $50 for monthly GP service, for a sum of $600 per year. This company has made less per hour, with a still better gross and worse net return per year.

You Get What You Pay For

So you receive ant control quarterly and the pest control company “guarantees you” that you won’t see ants. They have great new products that will last 90 days! If all goes well, they are right. If not, you don’t pay more. You still received the better yearly price, but you have higher sudden outlays and … your satisfaction drops through the floor. When the ants return, you need to bring the pest control company back. Now the ants are in the house! So not only are you mad and frustrated, but you had to take the day off to be at home or rearrange your day. How expensive is that?

Going to the monthly scenario, you may still have “an ant call back” or “follow up service.” But it is less likely because the pest control technician has been inspecting and treating your home or business more frequently.

More frequent service will be more preventative. Less frequent service will be more reactionary and problematic.

Ultimately, you need to choose based on your budget and your sense of how difficult or intolerable the pest problem is. Remember that ant problems can happen any time of year, not just in the summer.

Ultimately, you get what you pay for. It is your job as a good consumer to factor your need for prevention vs. your budget vs. your tolerance level. Factor in the expected and the unexpected.

Speaking of prevention, does your prospective pest control company have technicians that communicate well and that are observant? If not, it probably doesn’t matter how frequently they come, but if you find a company with technicians that seriously inspect your home and garden or business premises, each visit is an opportunity for them to guard your property against the prospect of unexpected pests – maybe more of the same ants or perhaps a new problem like bees or rats. For that you happen you need to find intelligent inspectors/service technicians that believe in and comply with the latest integrated pest management practices.

Got Ants? Call today at 1-800-986-1006 for help with an ant infestation. You’re also welcome to complete the form below and a caring Hearts Pest Management representative will contact you shortly.