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What's The Difference Between Commercial & Residential Pest Control?

Posted on September 3, 2021

Uh-oh! Have you recently noticed something scooting across the floor? While a bug or two is normal, this can be concerning if it happens often. If you're a business owner, this can raise even more red flags. This article will highlight the key differences between residential and commercial pest control. We will also let you know what to expect to complete your pest control experience with ease.

What's The Same? What's Different?

Let's first go over some similarities.

First, both aim to reduce, eradicate, and prevent future pests from returning. Some common methods include:

• Fumigation
• Physical Control (Traps)
• Biological Control
• Pesticide Use
• Chemical Control

Residential Pest Control

People seek professional services for their homes for several reasons. First, the problem could be outside or inside the house. For example, you may have a mouse infestation in your garage. Or perhaps you have a bug problem in your garden. Although you don't have to leave your home when the pest specialist arrives, you certainly can. There are also a few things you can do to prepare.

Commercial Pest Control

Unlike homes, businesses operate and look very different. From restaurants to office buildings, a pest specialist must be flexible while working. That means more personalized treatment plans are necessary. They must also be strategic in how and when they work.

For residential pest control, it's easier to see where the pest has come from. This is because all homes have a relatively similar layout. That makes it easier to find where the pest came from. For commercial buildings, they need to conduct a thorough walkthrough of the area. This will help them better understand the full scope.

Working Swiftly

Further, specialists must work quickly in commercial buildings. While it could be a larger area to cover, clients want as little disruption as possible. If you're a business owner with a pest problem, you want to get back to normal as soon as possible. We understand that. Your pest control specialist will do their best to minimize any adverse effects. By adverse effects, we mean disrupting business operations and violating health codes.

Public perception can be highly damaging, and we don't want people to avoid your business because of pests. Instead, we want to ensure you get back to your routine as soon as possible.

While leaving your home during a pest treatment can be an inconvenience, it's much easier to schedule. Your specialist can work around you and your family's schedule. However, for commercial buildings, there are many people's needs to consider, including the needs of neighbouring businesses.

The Kind Of Pest Differs

In homes, the issue is typically smaller bugs. Think fruit flies, ants, or bed bugs. However, commercial buildings are larger and can attract different pests. Unfortunately, mice love restaurants and large buildings for both food and warmth. That means the treatment plan will differ. Chemicals and traps can be considered depending on the building type. For example, you certainly can't leave mice traps around a daycare center.

What To Expect

Here is what to expect for both residential and commercial pest control.

Communication

For residential pest control, your specialist will address you specifically. With that said, commercial pest control requires broader communication. The owner of the building isn't the only one responsible. This can include employees, building operators, sanitarians and engineers. With more people in the loop, it's both easier to monitor the pest situation and difficult to maintain results.

Monitor The Situation

Although they have done their job, that doesn't mean everything is done. Depending on your control plan, the timeline can look different. More than one visit is sometimes necessary. Your specialist can advise you on how to prevent future pests from emerging.

For example, keeping your compost bin outside will help prevent fruit flies. Making sure there are no cracks in the building's foundation will keep bugs out too. These simple steps can help make a huge difference in the long run.

It's important to continue monitoring after. Keep a dated notebook or take photos to track the situation. If you feel it's getting worse, don't hesitate to call and ask your pest control specialists to come back. Above all, your specialist wants you to feel comfortable and safe in your home or work environment.

Contact The Pros

With commercial pest control, we must address the issue immediately. Waiting around means potentially violating health codes. You could also run into insurance problems. Your employees or customers may get sick. In addition, you could negatively affect the reputation of your business. All of these are not worth the risk. If you suspect even a small problem, contact a professional. If you operate a large building, store-bought traps or sprays may not be sufficient.

Why Use Professional Control

Above all, use a pest control company that has experience with commercial buildings. At first glance, pest control may all seem like the same thing. However, we hope this article shows you the differences between the two. To recap, commercial pest control requires a more specialized treatment plan. Work must be completed swiftly and discreetly. Lastly, communication and ongoing monitoring are key. These important differences show how no two situations are alike. Therefore, use only a reputable company that will get the job done right.

At Martin's Pest Control, our licensed exterminators know all about residential and commercial pest control. Let us help you make a personalized plan to get your home or business back to normal. Contact us today to request a quote.