Pest and Wildlife Questions, Answered Honestly

Answers to common questions

How do I keep ants and spiders out of my house?

A lot of people think a spray along the baseboards fixes it. In practice, though, bugs follow gaps, moisture and food. Seal cracks around pipes and windows. Fix slow drips. Keep food in tight containers and stack firewood away from the walls. Older house, extra care: worn door sweeps and old sill gaps let in more than you would guess.

Can store-bought traps and bait get rid of mice?

Traps can catch a few mice, and many people assume that means the job is done. In practice, mice often use several entry points, and a gap the size of a dime is enough. If you keep catching them, more are probably nearby. Be careful with poison bait. Pets and wildlife can be harmed, and mice may die inside walls. A provider can look for the entry points and suggest a plan.

When is DIY not enough for a pest problem?

DIY works for small, new problems, like a few ants in the kitchen. It stops working when the pests keep coming back, when you see damage, or when the problem is inside walls or under floors. Bed bugs, termites and animals in the attic are good examples. If you are unsure, ask a provider. An estimate is only information, and you can say no.

Do termites only attack old, rotting wood?

Many people believe that, but termites also go after sound wood, especially where soil, mulch or damp spots touch the house. Older homes with stone or block foundations can have small hidden gaps where they slip in. Signs include mud tubes, soft spots and wings near windows. A written inspection from a provider is the safest way to know.

Can I treat bed bugs myself?

Bed bug treatment is one of the hardest jobs to do alone. Store-bought sprays often miss the bugs hiding in seams, frames and wall cracks. Washing bedding on hot helps, but it rarely solves everything. Many providers offer a plan that includes a careful inspection and follow-up. Ask what prep you need to do before anyone arrives.

How do I pick a provider when I search "exterminator near me"?

Search results are a start, not a verdict. Ask each provider whether they are licensed in your state, what the quote includes, and what follow-up looks like. Get the price in writing. Be careful with anyone who pushes you to sign on the spot. Providers in our network are independent, so you can compare and decide at your own pace.

Does Reaffected Pest Control do the treatments?

No. Referral, not repair. Reaffected Pest Control is a referral service. We pass your request to an independent local provider, and that provider does the inspection, treatment or removal. Pricing, scheduling and any work agreement are between you and the provider. You are never required to hire anyone we introduce.

Does the time of year change when pests show up?

Yes, and it surprises people. Many assume pests vanish in winter. In practice, cold snowy months push mice, rats and other animals indoors for warmth. Spring snowmelt and freeze-thaw cycles can crack foundations and open new gaps. Coastal storms add damp spots that attract insects. Checking your basement and roofline each fall and spring can catch trouble early.