Your Questions About Pest Control, Answered
At Southwest Pest, we believe that informed customers are empowered customers.
We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about common pest concerns in Central and Southwest Minnesota and Iowa, our services, and what you can expect. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out!
General Pest Control Questions
What types of pests do you treat in Central and Southwest Minnesota and Iowa?
We handle a wide range of pests common to our region, including ants, spiders, rodents (mice, rats, possums, raccoons), bed bugs, Asian lady beetles, box elder bugs, mosquitoes, ticks, wasps, bees, and many more. Whether it’s a nuisance insect or a potentially destructive rodent, we have solutions for your home, business, or farm.
Are your pest control methods safe for my family and pets?
Absolutely. Your safety is our top priority. We use methods and solutions that are as safe as possible for your kids, pets, furniture, siding, fabrics, lawn furniture, and even your lawn. Our treatments often use a 99% water solution and are applied by licensed and trained professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How often should I get pest control services?
The frequency of service depends on the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and your property type. Many residential clients benefit from seasonal preventative treatments, especially for common invaders like spiders and fall pests. Commercial and agricultural properties may require more regular, ongoing maintenance plans. We can discuss a customized plan during our initial assessment.
Do I need to be home during the pest control service?
How long does a typical pest control treatment take?
The duration of a pest control treatment varies depending on the size of your property, the type of pest, and the severity of the infestation. A standard residential exterior treatment might take 30-60 minutes, while more extensive infestations like bed bugs could require longer sessions. Our technician will provide an estimated time upon arrival.
Should I try and do the extermination myself?
When you text us your pest issue, your information is safe and never shared.
Common Pest Concerns in Our Area
When is mosquito season in Central and Southwest Minnesota, and how can you help?
What should I do if I find bed bugs in my home?
What are the common types of ticks in Minnesota, and what diseases do they carry?
In Minnesota, the most common ticks encountered by humans are the American dog tick (wood tick) and the blacklegged tick (deer tick). The blacklegged tick is particularly important because it can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. If you find a tick attached, remove it carefully with tweezers and contact your doctor if you develop symptoms. We offer treatments to reduce tick populations around your yard and property.
Why are rodents like mice and rats a big problem for farms in our region?
Rodents are a major concern for farms in Central and Southwest MN and Iowa because they not only contaminate stored grain in bins and elevators but also cause significant damage to expensive farm equipment like tractors. They chew through electrical wires, hoses, and insulation, leading to costly breakdowns, operational delays, and even fire hazards. Our agricultural pest control services specifically address these threats to protect your investment.
I'm seeing a lot of spiders around my home especially in spring. Why is that?
Spiders often become more noticeable in the spring as they become more active after cooler months, seeking food and mates. They may try to enter your home looking for shelter or prey. Our spring pest control services specifically target spiders, applying treatments to the exterior of your home to create a barrier and reduce indoor spider populations, keeping your home cleaner.
How do I know if I have an ant problem or just a few ants?
What's the best way to prevent pests from entering my home or business?
Do you offer seasonal pest control plans for areas like Central and Southwestern Minnesota?
Yes, we highly recommend and offer seasonal pest control plans tailored to the unique pest cycles in Central and Southwestern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. This proactive approach helps to prevent common seasonal invaders like cluster flies, Asian lady beetles, and box elder bugs from entering your home in the fall, and addresses spring pests like spiders and mosquitoes as they become active.