Answers to Common Pest Control Questions
What should I do to prepare for a pest control treatment?
Before a treatment, it's important to clean and declutter the area, remove any pet food or water dishes, and cover or remove any exposed food or utensils.
Do you offer commercial pest control services?
Yes, we offer pest control services for commercial properties, including restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings.
How long does a pest control treatment take?
The length of a treatment varies depending on the type of pest and the size of the property. On average, treatments take between 1 and 2 hours.
What ants are commonly found in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine?
The pests we see most often include
Sugar Ants – These are the tiny ants you typically find in kitchens or around food sources.
Carpenter Ants – Larger than sugar ants, usually medium to large in size. If you’re unsure which type you’re seeing, it’s often a carpenter ant. A pest control professional can confirm quickly, but as a rule of thumb, if you have to guess, it’s probably a carpenter.
Do I need to leave my home during a pest control treatment?
In most cases, no. You can stay home during your pest control service. BUG HUNT only uses liquid or aerosol treatments when absolutely necessary, so it’s very unlikely you’ll need to step out.
How long does an ant control treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the type of pest and how severe the infestation is. Most services take between 15 minutes and 2 hours. The most important—and often longest—part of the process is the comprehensive inspection. Once the inspection is complete and a clear plan is in place, the rest of the treatment is straightforward and efficient.
Are there a lot of ticks in New England?
• New England is considered a hotspot for deer ticks.
• These ticks are the primary carriers of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
Do you offer eco-friendly pest control options?
Yes, we offer a range of eco-friendly pest control options that use natural and organic products to control pests. Bug Hunt is very passionate about the organic options.
Is your team licensed and insured?
Yes, our team is licensed and insured to provide pest control services in your area.
What pests do you specialize in controlling?
We’re experts in all major pests. Our team is supported by an in house Certified Associate Entomologist, who provides ongoing coaching, training, and education for both our technicians and the community.
We specialize in managing and eliminating:
• Ticks
• Mosquitoes
• Ants
• Wasps, hornets & yellow jackets
• Bed Bugs
• Cockroaches
• Termites
• Mice & Rats
Whether it crawls, flies, bites, or stings, we have the expertise to handle it.
Are your pest control methods safe for children and pets?
In the pest control industry, the word “safe” must be used carefully. What we can confidently promise is this: our practices are designed to protect your family, your pets, and your home from both pests and unnecessary pesticide exposure.
We use targeted applications and precise dilutions that provide effective results while maintaining an extremely low environmental impact. Our approach focuses on responsible, science based methods that prioritize safety, prevention, and long term protection.
How often should I schedule pest control services?
For ongoing protection from the most common household pests—like ants, mice, and stinging insects—we recommend a seasonal service plan:
Spring service targets crawling insects such as ants before they become active indoors.
Fall service provides a strong defense against mice as they begin seeking warmth inside homes.
Wasps/Hornets/Yellowjackets: If a nest appears at any point in the season, a bug hunter will come out to remove or treat it as needed.
Mosquito and Tick Frequencies:
We offer scientifically timed outdoor treatments for maximum reduction:
• Mosquito + Tick Program: every 3 weeks
• Tick Only Program: every 6 weeks
These intervals are based on pest biology and product longevity to ensure consistent, reliable protection.
What should I do to prepare for a pest control treatment?
Before a treatment, it's important to clean and declutter the area, remove any pet food or water dishes, and cover or remove any exposed food or utensils.
Do you offer commercial pest control services?
Yes, we offer pest control services for commercial properties, including restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings.
How long do your products last, and are they safe?
The products we use are chosen for their effectiveness and their responsible safety profile. They’re designed to protect the applicator, the environment, your home, your family, and your pets from unnecessary exposure while still delivering strong results.
Product longevity can vary based on weather, pest pressure, and the specific treatment area. That’s why we follow scientifically timed service intervals—to ensure we’re applying products responsibly, effectively, and with care for everyone involved.
What are your educational programs like?
We bring the wild to your world! From thrilling birthday parties featuring spiders, scorpions, and an array of exotic insects to dynamic educational programs for classrooms and libraries, our team delivers unforgettable experiences for all ages.
We’ve even provided specialized lectures for hospitals and professional groups. Whether we’re helping children understand the difference between a spider and a tarantula or guiding adults through the scientific complexities of Lyme disease, our programs blend excitement with education in a way that sticks.
Do all bees sting?
Only female stinging insects can actually sting, but the good news is that most of them don’t want to. Bees are protected, and Bug Hunt follows strict safety protocols to give them as much space and respect as possible.
In New England, you’re most likely to encounter bald faced hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps. Despite their reputation, these insects aren’t out to sting anyone for no reason. When they’re away from the nest, they leave most of their defensive behavior behind and generally only become aggressive when they feel their home is threatened.
If you ever feel nervous, just move slowly and breathe normally. A lone stinging insect is usually just cruising around looking for a snack. Many solitary wasps—like cicada killers and mud daubers—look intimidating but are actually very mellow and uninterested in people.
And because lawyers exist, here’s the official line: if you’re unsure about an insect or feel uncomfortable, it’s always best to give it some space.
How do I prepare for a bedbug treatment?
A formal preparation guide for bed bug service preparation:
1. Laundry Prep
• Remove all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics from the affected room.
• Place items directly into sealed bags before moving them to prevent spreading bedbugs.
• Wash items using the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
• Store cleaned items in new sealed bags or containers until treatment is complete.
2. Declutter the Space
• Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places for bed bugs.
• Items that cannot be washed should be inspected and, if possible, isolated or heat treated according to professional guidance.
• Avoid transferring untreated items to other rooms.
3. Prepare Furniture
• Move beds, couches, and dressers approximately 6–12 inches away from the walls.
• Remove drawers from dressers and nightstands to allow for thorough inspection.
• Stand mattresses and box springs upright if instructed by your service provider.
4. Vacuuming
• Vacuum floors, baseboards, mattress seams, and furniture crevices.
• Immediately empty the vacuum contents into a sealed bag and dispose of it outdoors.
5. Actions to Avoid
• Do not use over the counter foggers or aerosol sprays, as these can worsen the infestation by dispersing bedbugs.
• Do not move untreated items into clean rooms.
• Do not discard furniture unless specifically advised by a licensed pest control professional.
6. During Treatment
• Follow all instructions provided by your pest control technician regarding whether you should remain in the home or temporarily vacate.
• Keep pets out of treated areas until you are informed that it is safe to return.
7. After Treatment
• Some bed bug activity may continue briefly after treatment; this can be normal.
• Continue minimizing clutter and avoid reintroducing items into the room unless they have been properly cleaned.
• Follow any additional instructions or scheduling requirements for follow up visits.
Safety Note
Because bed bug treatments involve specialized equipment and regulated products, always follow the guidance of a licensed pest management professional. If any step is unclear, consult your provider before proceeding.
Call (603) 858-5299 if you have questions or need quick answers about your pest problem.
