Get matched with top pest control specialists in Bellevue, IA

One of the most widespread chemicals used for killing termites is Fipronil. It’s one of the most common insecticides used by termite exterminators to kill termites fast. However, it’s toxic and generally used in outdoor areas only. Popular brand names of termite killers include Taurus, Bifen, Termidor, and BioAdvanced. All insecticides have pros and cons: Some are safer around humans but don’t last as long. Some may kill nearby plants or have power odors. Some are designed for safe indoor bait stations but take much longer to work.

To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

The number of treatments required to eliminate bed bugs varies depending on the severity of the infestation. Most cases require two to four treatments within a three- to six-week span. However, a small infestation might only need one inspection and one treatment visit. In contrast, severe cases or large homes may require an ongoing plan with quarterly, monthly, or semi-monthly visits from an exterminator for up to a year. To get rid of bed bugs as quickly as possible, it's best to investigate and treat them at the first sign of an issue.

Roaches won’t sting your pets and don’t have venom like spiders do , but they present other dangers. Cockroaches are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and parasites like tapeworms. Because they’re so dirty, their bites (otherwise harmless) can also get infected. You don’t want your pets chasing and trying to eat cockroaches, or sleeping near a roach infestation.