FAQ
What should I look for when selecting a pest control professional?
A qualified and licensed pest management company that is a member of national, state or local pest management associations. Buy value, not price. Find out if the company has liability insurance to cover any damages to your house or furnishings should the unexpected happen. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force.
If you hire a pest control professional, are you guaranteed a pest-free home?
Homeowners must remain active participants before, during and after all pest control treatments. This type of cooperation helps you see better results. Lawn & Pest Solutions guarantees all treatments for thirty days.
I have roaches in my home and have tried sprays and bug bombs and these don’t seem to be working. What else can I do?
Cockroaches can be very difficult to control as so many things can contribute to their survival such as food, water and shelter. Aerosol bombs are not very effective in controlling cockroaches; however, proper use of insecticides is the key to success.
We have bugs in our house. Can I get something to spray that is “child friendly” but will get rid of the bugs?
Sometimes a pest problem can be eliminated simply by taking away their food source or repairing holes that are used as entry points. If insecticides must be used it is important to choose the friendliest material and use the product in compliance with the product label. Our professionals know the characteristics of the insects that we are trying to control in order to know where to apply the materials.
I have roaches but I keep a clean house. Why do I still see them?
Having a clean house will not eradicate roaches entering your home since they are looking for food, shelter and water to survive. Roaches are persistent and require an ongoing treatment program to control.
I have spiders, but have always heard there is not much you can do for them. Is this true?
Spiders do have long legs that elevate their body away from hard surfaces, and they do not follow grooming habits like roaches and ants do so it can be difficult to get them in contact with control products. However, our technicians can and do employ other tactics that will aid in the control of spiders.
Is an insect bomb the best way to control fleas in my home?
Avoid insect bombs. They can pose two significant dangers in your home. First, they leave a residual of insecticide over your entire home. Even after a thorough cleaning, most people would be surprised by what is left behind for children and pets to come into contact with. Secondly, all pilot lights and even electrical appliances should be turned off, or you risk having a literal “bomb” in your home. A targeted application by a trained professional is much safer and more effective.
What are termites?
Termites are wood-destroying insects that are actually an important part of our ecosystem (when not attacking our homes!). While they play an important role in nature, experts estimate they cause $5-6 billion of property damage each year.
How do you recognize termites?
Termite swarms typically are visible in the early spring. Termite swarms can be confused with flying ants. Telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home, and darkening or blistering of wood surfaces.
Will termites actually attack my home?
There are two types of homes: those that have had termites and those that will get them. Termites work 24 hours/7 days a week at damaging the wood in and around a structure. And, while they cause billions of dollars in damage each year, they can be controlled if the proper techniques are used.
What can a homeowner do to prevent termites?
The most important thing is to remove the environment termites need to survive. Termites love moisture-avoid moisture accumulation around the foundation of your home. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Be sure your crawl space is properly ventilated. Prevent shrubs and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents. Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil.
How difficult are termites to treat?
Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own; however, our professionals have the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.
How much does a termite treatment cost?
Treatments vary depending on: the construction of your home, severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment recommended. We will provide you with a free estimate.
Are these products dangerous to kids and pets?
All professional pest control products have been registered for use by the EPA. When they are applied according to label instructions by technicians who have been trained and licensed to use them, they pose virtually no risk.
How long does a termite treatment typically take?
Termite treatments are usually complete within a couple of hours.
Does Lawn & Pest Solutions guarantee its service?
Insect pests can sometimes be very persistent. We will be very thorough in our treatments, but sometimes, nature wins out. If you have our Pest 360 service or another ongoing treatment plan, just give us a call. All of our other pest services are guaranteed for thirty days.
Are all the treatments necessary?
Each treatment is designed to take care of your lawn’s needs at the precise time they need attention. Taking less than the full program can compromise the quality of your lawn. If you purchase the Lawn 360 Program, a fertilizer application will often include weed spraying if there are weeds present in your lawn-included as a part of the program. Skipping a treatment also voids our guarantee for the remainder of the season.
Will my lawn be totally weed free?
No lawn care service can promise this – not even the experts at Lawn & Pest Solutions. By using the very best of materials we can reduce the population of weeds to the point that they are not visually noticeable or damaging. If at any time you feel the treatments are not effectively managing the weed population, please give us a call.
How long before the weeds die?
Weed control is dependent on the temperature. A general rule of thumb is the colder the temperature the longer it takes for weeds to die. Weed death can become evident as soon as seven days in the summer, and as long as twenty-one days in the winter. Please follow any mowing instructions your technician leaves for you, as mowing is vital to weed control.
If all I care about is weed control, why do I need to fertilize?
Thick, healthy turf is just as much weed control as any herbicide. If weed seeds have more competition for sunlight, water and nutrients, they will have a much harder time getting established. That is why we encourage all of our customers to buy the Lawn 360 Program-we kill the weeds and encourage a healthy turfgrass to take over your lawn.
Another lawn care company told me the summer weeds could not be killed. Is this true?
Absolutely not! While some weeds can be harder to gain control of, you can rely on us to get rid of the summer weed growth. Some weeds can take longer than others, but that is why you are paying us to treat your lawn-to keep it dark green and weed free.
Will I be left instructions after each treatment?
Yes. Your technician will leave you with instructions and a full explanation of the treatment at the time of each service. We may also make recommendations on mowing, watering, and other maintenance practices for your lawn. Please follow these instructions and recommendations when possible to maximize the results of the service. If for some reason you cannot follow the instructions on watering or mowing, the treatments will still be effective but the reaction time may slow down.
What if it rains after an application?
If we applied fertilizer, don’t worry! The sooner it gets rainfall or irrigation, the sooner it goes to work. Since weed control applications are usually applied as a liquid, it is best that a weed application stays on the grass for a minimum of 2 hours and optimally 48 hours. For optimum results, we recommend waiting 48 hours before mowing or watering. However, most products that we apply can stay on the lawn for as little as 2 hours before rain and still produce the desired results. If it does rain soon after an application, we always come back to check that the desired level of weed control is being achieved. Reapplication as the result of rainfall is completed at no extra charge.
Will my lawn always be green, Spring, Summer and Fall?
The Lawn 360 program is designed to establish and maintain optimum turfgrass color and vigor throughout the growing season. However, if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with us, especially during the Summer, you may need to water and mow in a special way to help the Lawn & Pest Solutions team keep your lawn green.
When is the best time to water?
Your watering schedule is one of the most important elements in establishing and maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. The best time to water is between 4am & 10am. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening to avoid disease problems.
Are the materials Lawn & Pest Solutions uses harmful to my pets or children?
Lawn & Pest Solutions uses only the best materials. All of these materials are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use on turfgrass and are applied in strict accordance with the labels. It is recommended that you stay off of your lawn for two hours following a treatment. This will allow the material to dry enough for the continued enjoyment of your lawn.
How does Lawn & Pest Solutions control weeds?
Lawn & Pest Solutions uses the most effective pre-emergence herbicides available for our area. This material is applied during the cooler months of the year while weeds are still in the seed stage. As temperatures warm and the weed seeds germinate, the protective barrier formed by this herbicide kills each seedling before it germinates and appears above the soil surface.
Can I expect my lawn to look better after each year of service?
After a year of continuous service on the Lawn 360 Program, we can provide a turf that is 90-95% weed-free. By continuing these treatments each year, you can maintain this level of weed control and continue to build a thick, healthy turf.
How will I be billed for the treatments?
An invoice will be left at your door at the time treatment. Payment is due upon receipt. Lawn & Pest Solutions also offers you the opportunity to receive a discount for prepayment of a year’s worth of scheduled services, auto pay by credit/debit card, and monthly draft from your checking account or credit/debit card. Of course, you can also pay per invoice after treatment.
Does Lawn & Pest Solutions guarantee its service?
Yes. Our promise to you is that we will provide consistent service and results with each application. If you are new to our service, you will see a progressive change in your lawn after each application. After a complete year of service, we can maintain a turf that is 90-95% weed-free. We pride ourselves on supplying you with the best lawn care service possible. If you have a problem, all you have to do is call us. Even if we have to repeat the application, your satisfaction is our primary aim.
What do I, as a customer, do if I am unhappy with the results?
Call or e-mail us. That’s why we’re here… to help you! Nobody is perfect. We make mistakes too. A call to our office will put you on schedule for a visit by your lawn technician. Our job is to serve you. Just a call, that’s all it takes.
May I have extra service for special problems?
Yes, Lawn & Pest Solutions offers additional services, some of which include soil test and analysis, fungicide application for disease control, and extra insecticide applications for grubs, ticks, ants, and fleas. These special applications are provided to you at your request at an additional charge.
What if I can't water my lawn?
We normally receive enough rainfall that watering your lawn is not necessary. Our treatments will still be effective without supplemental watering. Water is just one of the maintenance practices that contributes to a beautiful lawn. Your lawn may go semi-dormant or lose some of its color during hot and dry weather, but this is your lawn’s natural defense to dry conditions.
What do I need to do if I want service next year?
Our service is continuous from year to year, so you do not have to worry with letting us know if you want service the following year, and is subject to annual price increases. Most of our customers have been with us many years! Should you desire to stop service, all you have to do is call, write or email us and let us know.