Why do phorid flies keep coming back?

• <div><p>Even with professional pest control and taking your own drastic measures to eliminate a phorid fly infestation, it can be difficult to get rid of these pests for good. If you find that phorid flies keep appearing in your home, it’s very likely that you have a persistent source of moisture such as a drain leak or a cracked sewer. Another culprit could be a decaying animal carcass in your home’s foundations.</p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Townsend, MT

Q: How do you tell if you have termites or ants?

• <div><p>Ant and termite infestations look very different. Since termites feed on wood, one of the warning signs of their presence is drooping drywall, peeling paint, loose floor tiles, and crumbling wood. On the other hand, ants feed on plant- and animal-based food options, so you&rsquo;ll likely spot a colony near your home&rsquo;s food sources. If you&rsquo;re unsure what type of pest infestation you have, hire a pest control specialist to inspect for you. </p></div>

Q: Can chinch bugs fly?

• <div><p>Technically, yes, chinch bugs can fly. However you won&rsquo;t usually see them in flight. Chinch bugs like to stick close to the ground and they usually move around by hopping or crawling (which is why they can be hard to see). Since they don&rsquo;t get much chance at flying, they&rsquo;re pretty bad at it and only fly for short distances&mdash;like to nearby yards. </p></div>

Q: How hot does it need to be to kill bed bugs?

• <div><p>A temperature of <b>131 degrees Fahrenheit</b> for 72 minutes will kill bed bugs. Research suggests several different ranges, but many suggest starting at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining that heat for at least two hours. Steam cleaning is an exception because steam comes so hot it can quickly kill bed bugs and their eggs, making it a good option for fast extermination.</p></div>

Q: At what temperature do bed bugs die cold?

• <div><p>To freeze bed bugs, they&rsquo;ll need to be exposed to very low temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for at least 4 days. You can use a remote thermostat to determine when the infested item reaches 0 degrees. Keep in mind that bed bug professionals have the high-quality tools and equipment needed to eradicate bugs using extreme cold, so it&rsquo;s best to hire a pro for this method.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Townsend, MT

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Townsend, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Townsend, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on January 15, 2026

Reviewed in September 2025
Very fair priced, showed up on time did everything in the estimate and more, left the job site clean, would definitely hire again
Elkhorn Insulation, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2025
Hayden not only did an excellent job but he was so easy to work with. So flexible with what we needed. We were able to add things on and take things off. I cannot recommend him enough.
HECKERS HAND BUILDS
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Reviewed in February 2025
Brian and his team were able to complete the project with professional quality, on schedule, and on budget. Maintained proactive communication throughout the project as well.
Helena Painting Company LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
Josh is extremely responsive, and true to his word. Everything you can ask for when trusting someone with your home. Thanks again!
GHOST TOWN HANDYMAN INC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Will and Easton are professional, they overdeliver in quality and communication. Their work is excellent as they are very experienced. Will use them again.
H&H Excavation
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Reviewed in April 2024
Eric is amazing. I tried for several years to get someone to do this job. Eric came put, agreed to do the job, gave a fair price and showed up to do the job as he scheduled. Excellent quality work, informative and professional. I would highly recommend him!!
Smith Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2024
They do a great job and are very friendly.
Ruiz Drywall, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
Jake was prompt and efficient! Will use their services again!
Revolution Electric Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2022
Good work, good price, awesome customer service.
Underdog Roofing & Construction
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Reviewed in February 2022
Great! Tech came when he said he would.
Bed Bug Solutions Montana
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Find Pest control specialists in Townsend

Nitro Green of Helena

4.41(

)

Nitro Green of Helena

4.41(

)

Customers say: True professional

42 years of experience

Additional address - PO Box 5314, Helena, MT 59604. Additional email - [email protected]

Orkin Pest Control

4.60(

)

Orkin Pest Control

4.60(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Additional DBAs - Orkin LLC, Orkin Inc. Additional phone - (877) 250-1652, (406) 453-1476. Additional faxes - (970) 242-5226, (253) 922-2975.

Bed Bug Solutions Montana

5.00(

)

Bed Bug Solutions Montana

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Bed Bug Solutions Montana is the best choice for bed bug treatments in Helena, Bozeman, Missoula and surrounding areas. We have 100% success in eliminating bed bugs and give our customers a one year warranty! We also have Solutions Plus Pest Control that handles all of your residential and commercial pest control needs!

"Great! Tech came when he said he would."

Kristin C on February 2022

"Great! Tech came when he said he would."

Kristin C on February 2022

Complete Pest Services Inc

No reviews yet

Complete Pest Services Inc

No reviews yet

45 years of experience

Serving western Montana since 1981 "Dan the Bug Man and Friends" full service pest control General Pest Control; Bed Bug; Rodent Control; Ant Control; Spider Control

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Ant and termite infestations look very different. Since termites feed on wood, one of the warning signs of their presence is drooping drywall, peeling paint, loose floor tiles, and crumbling wood. On the other hand, ants feed on plant- and animal-based food options, so you’ll likely spot a colony near your home’s food sources. If you’re unsure what type of pest infestation you have, hire a pest control specialist to inspect for you.

Even with professional pest control and taking your own drastic measures to eliminate a phorid fly infestation, it can be difficult to get rid of these pests for good. If you find that phorid flies keep appearing in your home, it’s very likely that you have a persistent source of moisture such as a drain leak or a cracked sewer. Another culprit could be a decaying animal carcass in your home’s foundations.

Technically, yes, chinch bugs can fly. However you won’t usually see them in flight. Chinch bugs like to stick close to the ground and they usually move around by hopping or crawling (which is why they can be hard to see). Since they don’t get much chance at flying, they’re pretty bad at it and only fly for short distances—like to nearby yards.

A temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit for 72 minutes will kill bed bugs. Research suggests several different ranges, but many suggest starting at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining that heat for at least two hours. Steam cleaning is an exception because steam comes so hot it can quickly kill bed bugs and their eggs, making it a good option for fast extermination.

To freeze bed bugs, they’ll need to be exposed to very low temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for at least 4 days. You can use a remote thermostat to determine when the infested item reaches 0 degrees. Keep in mind that bed bug professionals have the high-quality tools and equipment needed to eradicate bugs using extreme cold, so it’s best to hire a pro for this method.

The Townsend, MT homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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