The 5 Boroughs of New York City and Long Island Pest Control Frequently Asked Questions
A Shield Pest Control
For all your pest control needs, we are happy to provide you with the most important questions and answers to assist you with preventing unwanted guests.
Are the products used 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.
Why should someone hire A Shield Pest Control instead of attempting to control their pest problems by themselves?
Just as you wouldn’t prescribe medicine for yourself or drill your own cavities – you shouldn’t attempt to control termites – or other pests -- on your own. The products and the expertise offered by A Shield Pest Control far surpass what a homeowner could do on their own. Leave it up to the experts for peace of mind. Why risk it?
Are Carpenter Ants dangerous to my home?
Carpenter ants are merely a nuisance or a serious structural pest that needs to be addressed quickly. If the weather is mild and you happen to see one every few days, further inspection may be necessary. Try to locate the source. Seeing several daily is cause for concern and treatment may be necessary.
What are five things I can do outside of my house to keep pests away?
1. Inspect and seal any cracks and holes outside your home. Make sure vents are screened and gaps around windows and doors are sealed.
2. Check around the perimeter of your home for leaky faucets and anything that allows moisture to pool around the base of your home.
3. Eliminate debris from gutters
4. Trim tree branches and shrubbery from around your home.
5. Store firewood and other wood at least 20 feet away from your home.
What are five things I can do inside my house to keep pests away?
1. Keep all kitchen areas clean (including floors) and free of useless clutter. Kitchen appliances should be kept free of spill and crumbs. Clean shelves regularly and store foods such as cereal, flour, and dog food in resealable containers.
2. Keep garbage areas clean. Garbage should be stored in sealed containers and disposed of regularly.
3. Check pipes and pipe areas around the house for leaks, cracks and gaps and seal and patch any problems if necessary. Leaky faucets should also be fixed.
4. Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. If you have mold and mildew in your home or office crawlspace, it’s a symptom of an excess moisture problem.
5. Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packaging thoroughly. Insects have also been known to come in on potted plants and in luggage.
How difficult are termites to treat?
Termites are nearly impossible for homeowners to treat on their own. However, A Shield Pest Control professionals have the training, expertise and technology to eliminate termite infestations.
What are the different types of termite treatments?
There are two primary types of treatments available to A Shield customers: liquids and baits. Liquids are used around a home area to ensure long-term protection. Baits systems involve placing monitoring stations in the ground.
What is the most effective type of termite treatment?
A trained and licensed Professional is the best person to make a recommendation for each particular property.
What questions should homeowners ask during a professional termite inspection/treatment?
What type of treatment is recommended?
How long will the treatment take?
How much will it cost?
How long will it take to get rid of the termites?
What type of contract or guarantee is offered?
Are they a member of the National Pest Management Association?
What can a homeowner do to prevent termites?
• Termites love moisture; if you have any moisture around the foundation of your home, avoid that
• Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation
• Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents
• Be sure to remove old form boards, grade stakes, etc., left in place after the building was constructed
• Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building
• Eliminate any wood contact with soil. An 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building is ideal
• It doesn’t hurt to routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage
Can pests other than termites damage property?
Absolutely. Carpenter ants, carpenter bees and powder post beetles are all categorized as wood destroying insects. That’s why it’s important to have a professional identify the source of your problem and provide the treatment to control it.
How do you treat for Cockroaches?
Cockroaches have long been one of the most common household pests in our area, coming most frequently in the German, American, Oriental, or Brown-banded variety. We've developed years of expertise in solving cockroach problems. Our control strategy depends upon the species of cockroach, which is why inspection and identification is an important first step. Upon identification of the species and analysis of the situation, a strategy is developed. Use of pesticides may be appropriate in some cases. Increasingly, we utilize baits, carefully placed out of reach of children and pets, to eliminate cockroach populations. In other situations, insect growth regulators, which inhibit the ability of the cockroach to molt and grow, are used in combination with other methods. And additionally, we provide information to clients about the ways that they can minimize pest immigration and avoid providing harborage for pest populations. So you see, cockroach control is really best achieved through a combination of techniques - an "integrated" approach to pest management.
Contact A Shield Pest Control today at 718-769-8862, 631-696-1304 for Nassau / Suffolk and 888-744-3535 or browse the website for more information about bed bugs or wildlife removal, or insect control. |