For routine pest control maintenance, most specialists recommend treatments every three months (quarterly). However, the ideal frequency can range from monthly to yearly depending on several factors. If you have a severe infestation, more frequent treatments will likely be necessary. Your location also plays a role; for example, homes near water may experience more pests in spring and summer. It's best to discuss your specific situation with a pest control professional to determine a suitable schedule. If you notice any pests between scheduled visits, inform your provider so they can address the issue promptly.

There are a few main causes of bed bugs. You can pick up bed bugs through traveling since these pests can hide in the seats of buses, taxis, airplanes, and other vehicles as well as seats at restaurants, hotels, and other public places. Bed bugs can also travel on purses, backpacks, luggage, and other bags. Another main cause of bed bugs is multi-unit housing, such as apartment complexes or college dorms.

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.

You’ll want to locate all areas in your home that could be a potential entry point for mice, such as doors, windows, vents, baseboards, holes, and cracks in your home’s foundation. Don’t forget to check less-obvious areas like the attic, plumbing and sewers, and even the roof and gutters. If you check these spots and don’t find any signs of mice, consider hiring a pest control pro to dig deeper into potential hiding spots.