Pest Control Services

Delaware's climate creates distinct seasonal pest pressure. In spring (March-May), ants, stink bugs, and overwintering spiders become active as temperatures rise above 50°F. Summer (June-August) brings the peak period for mosquitoes, yellow jackets, and German cockroaches, which thrive in heat and humidity. Fall (September-October) triggers rodent intrusion season as mice and rats seek warmth, along with a second wave of stink bug and box elder bug activity. Winter treatments remain valuable because cockroaches, spiders, and rodents stay active indoors year-round. The best time to start a quarterly protection plan is late February or early March, before spring populations establish, so the initial treatment disrupts breeding cycles before they accelerate.

Over-the-counter perimeter sprays apply a single product in a band around the foundation, which degrades quickly and misses where pests actually enter. A professional treatment targets what are called critical control points: weep holes in brick, door and window frames, utility penetrations, garage seals, soffits, and crawlspace vents. Technicians also apply web removal (webstering) to eliminate harborage spots and assess moisture conditions in crawlspaces and basements that draw pests in the first place. The products used are formulated for residual effectiveness measured in weeks, not days, and the application rate is calibrated to the structure, not a generic broadcast spray. That structural assessment is what separates a diagnostic treatment from a surface application.

Seeing insects for 1-2 weeks after treatment is normal and actually indicates the treatment is working. Most professional-grade residual products work through contact and ingestion, meaning insects must come into contact with the treated surface before they're eliminated. Some pests, like ants, may increase in visible activity for 3-7 days as colonies are disrupted and foragers scatter before the treatment takes effect throughout the colony. Cockroach activity can persist for up to 14 days in heavy infestations as population pressure pushes survivors into open areas. If you're still seeing significant activity at the 2-week mark, that triggers a free re-treatment under a satisfaction guarantee, which is the correct response rather than reapplying a store-bought product on top of a professional application.

Modern professional pest control uses water-based formulations that are a significant improvement over older solvent-based products in terms of odor and residual exposure risk. Most products are dry-to-touch within 30-60 minutes and are labeled safe for re-entry once dry. For homes with infants, pets that spend time on treated floors, or residents with respiratory conditions, technicians can accommodate requests to focus on exterior-only treatments with interior spot treatments only where needed, or use all-natural botanical options as an alternative. You should inform your technician before the appointment about any sensitivities, pets, and whether children crawl on the floors, so the product selection and application can be adjusted accordingly.