FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this bug?
Check our pest library first for images and descriptions of pests common to the Midwest region. If you do not find a match there, we offer a free identification service. Bring a bug to any of our locations for an on-the-spot identification or mail us a sample. If you mail a sample, carefully pad the sample with a tissue or similar product and be sure to include your name and day telephone number or email address.
Something is biting me. What is it?
First of all, most insects and other arthropods that bite can be seen without magnification. If you notice an insect biting you, a sample should be located and given to your pest management professional (PMP) for identification. There are different protocols for the treatment depending on the insect involved. Possible insects that may be biting you are:
Fleas - check your pets to make sure they do not have fleas crawling on them. Determine if you have any wildlife living in the attic, crawlspace, chimney, or under steps or a deck.
Mosquitoes - these are primarily found outdoors but may fly inside while doors or windows are open.
Bed bugs - guess what, they're back. These nighttime blood feeders sneak into your bed at night when you are sleeping and feed on your blood.
Ants - ants can be found inside or outside. While some ants, such as fire ants produce a painful sting, most ants in this area rarely sting or bite.
Another possibility is that your skin may be drying out because of the weather. When this occurs, it often feels like tiny pricks, or that an insect is biting you.
I hear noises in the attic. What is causing them?
If you're hearing noises in the attic or from the wall voids, it could be caused by rats, mice, squirrels, bats, cats, or even insects. Typically, attic inhabitants will get in through vents or soffits that need repair. You must locate how the animal is getting in and repair the access point (or points) at a time when you are sure they are not in the attic. At Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, we provide trapping and exclusion services in case you would rather have someone else do this for you. You should also note that bats are protected in many states and cannot be disturbed without a special permit during the summer months.
What are the flying insects in my home?
Based on environmental conditions, flying insects could be:
Swarming ants or termites - both have mating swarms where numerous reproductive insects leave the original nest to mate and then find a new nest.
Filth flies, fruit flies, or fungus gnats. For flies, it is very important to find the source of the infestation. Until you get rid of the breeding site, the adult flies you see in your home will continue to be a problem.
Will the bees and wasps inside my home sting me?
There are numerous types of insects that can sting you if provoked. Social bees and wasps (live in a single nest) will vigorously defend their nest during the summer months and are the most likely to sting humans. These include paper wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and honey bees. The solitary bees and wasps nest as pairs and rarely sting humans. These include the carpenter bees, mud daubers, ground bees, cicada killers, and potter wasps.
What about spiders?
Spiders are actually beneficial and may be left alone to help control pest insects in and around your home. Not all spiders have venom. However, two spiders of concern are the black widow and brown recluse. These spiders can cause you to become ill if bitten. Brown recluse spiders are rather common in the Midwest region, but we have solutions for these pests.
I have ants trailing in my house. What do I do?
Most ants that are observed indoors originate from a nest that is outdoors or in a void in the exterior wall. If you can find the nest, elimination is quite easy by direct treatment. There are a variety of ants that you may find in your home. Pavement ants, odorous house ants, honey ants, and carpenter ants are the species that we regularly find indoors in the Midwest region. To date, fire ants are not established north of the North Carolina/Virginia border area. To help you more easily solve your ant problem, proper identification of the ants is critical. You can collect ants by scooping them into a jar or plastic bag or you can stick them onto tape. Or schedule a free home inspection from Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators!
Can the chemicals you use harm me?
When pesticides are used, we use products that minimize the risk of causing injury to you, your children, and pets. The materials we use are applied at very low concentrations, some as low as 0.015%. They are applied directly into areas where insects are likely to be located and will travel and out of the reach of children and pets. The manufacturers of these chemicals have formulated them at doses that are registered for use around adults and children, but still are able to kill insects. If you have a health-related concern, please let us know before we come to treat and we will let you know what we plan to use. Copies of the label and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are found in "pdf" (Adobe Acrobat) format on this website under the "Customer" section. We want you to be comfortable with the products we use in and around your home and will gladly share any information we have about any product.
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mosquito
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How to control mosquitoes?
There are a variety of mosquito control methods out there, with varying levels of effectiveness based on the situation. At Quik-Kill Pest eliminators, we primarily use traditional spray treatments during mosquito season as well as spray systems that can create a lasting perimeter of protection against mosquitoes for your yard.
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Can pest control get rid of mosquitoes?
When it comes to mosquitoes, professional treatment is the only way to go. Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators provides a wide range of mosquito treatment options, allowing us to create a customized solution to fit your home. Whether it’s a special event or for a lifetime, Quik-Kill has the tools to create the customized mosquito control solution you need.
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How to control mosquitoes in the yard?
The main factor when it comes to mosquitoes is standing water. Mother mosquitoes need standing water to breed, and mosquitoes spend most of their lives in water. Standing water is the main thing that attracts mosquitoes to yards, so it’s the first thing you need to address around your own property. Remove any sources of standing water from around your yard, such as toys, tires, or other debris. Make sure your gutters are draining properly, and fix any moisture issues around your home. Other than that, your best bet to stop mosquitoes is to call a professional mosquito control provider for help.
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Do mosquito control services work?
In the summertime, mosquitoes can seem impossible to avoid. Some people are simply in an area that attracts them and allows them to thrive. If that sounds like you, don’t worry: help is here. Get in contact with us today for a lasting solution against mosquitoes around your home. Contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators Today For Relief From Mosquitoes
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Termites
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How to control termites in the lawn?If there are termites in your lawn, it's only a matter of time before they enter your house. Now is the time to take action to eliminate them before they get inside. Our termite control treatments don't only eliminate termites in your home, but will also take care of the termites in your lawn.
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How to choose a termite control company?When choosing a company for termite control, you want to look for a fully licensed company that warranties their service and uses the most effective products in the industry. Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators meets all of these standards.
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What is the average cost of termite control?The cost of termite control can vary from home to home. Pricing will depend in part on the size of your home and whether you have an active infestation or not. When we inspect your house, we'll provide you with a quote for our services before we proceed.
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How to control termites in wood?If termites have gotten into the wood in your house, you need professional termite control. They will not leave on their own, and do-it-yourself treatment methods are not effective at eliminating a termite colony.
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How to control termites in soil?Although termites in your soil are something to be concerned about, it's better to find them there than to find them in your house. However, it's still important to immediately contact us for professional termite control, so they don't have a chance to get into your home.
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General
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How much does residential pest control cost?Your residential pest control costs depend on several factors, including your house size and the service plan you choose. Please contact us to receive a customized quote.
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What is residential pest control?Put simply; residential pest control is pest control to protect your home from pests. These services can include treatments to eliminate active pests, treatments to prevent future outbreaks, and services to help make your home and property less conducive to pest infestations.
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Is pest control worth the money?Many people think it makes the most sense to hold off on pest control until a pest problem arises. Unfortunately, at that point, it's often more costly to take care of the pests and the damage they've done. With preventative pest control, you can save money in the long run.
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How often should I do pest control?How often you have pest control services depends on a number of factors, such as if you have an active pest problem. We offer bi-monthly plans to meet your needs. In general, when you go over 90 days without service, the treatment starts to break down, and pests begin to return.
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