How Often Should You Get Pest Control? The Answer Isn’t So Simple.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re overspending on unnecessary treatments or risking an infestation by waiting too long, you’re not alone. The truth is, there’s no one size fits all answer. The ideal pest control schedule is a personalized strategy, not a standard package.
This guide will help you diagnose your home’s specific risk level and build a proactive plan that fits your budget and protects your peace of mind.
What Determines Your Pest Control Schedule?
Think of pest control like changing the oil in your car. City driving isn’t the same as off roading. Your home’s “pest pressure” is determined by four key factors:
- Your Home’s Location & Geography: Do you back onto a greenbelt in Sammamish? Live in a moist, wooded area near Issaquah? Are you in a dense urban neighborhood in Seattle? Proximity to natural pest habitats is the #1 driver of frequency.
- Your Home’s Age & Construction: Older homes in places like Kent often have more gaps, cracks, and settling foundations that serve as welcome mats for pests. Newer builds aren’t immune either, as pests exploit tiny construction gaps.
- Your Previous Pest History: If you’ve had problems before, especially with wood destroying organisms like carpenter ants or termites, a preventative maintenance plan is non-negotiable. Past activity is the best predictor of future problems.
- Your Sanitation & Landscaping Habits: Do you store firewood against your house? Are there clogged gutters creating moisture? Do crumbs tend to linger on the kitchen counter? These factors can significantly increase your risk.
The 3 Most Common Service Schedules & Who They’re For
| Schedule | Frequency | Best For | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly | Every 3 Months | – Homes with prior infestations – Properties near water or woods – Food service businesses – Older homes with many entry points | Pro: Maximum protection. Stops pests before they become a problem. Con: Higher annual cost. |
| Bi-Monthly | Every 6 Months | – Most suburban homeowners – Those seeking a balance of cost and protection – Homes with minor, occasional pest sightings | Pro: Good preventative coverage for common pests. Con: May miss the window for some seasonal pests. |
| Annual | Once a Year | – Newer homes without past issues – Low-risk areas (e.g., high rises) – Mainly for inspection purposes | Pro: Lowest cost option. Con: Essentially reactive. You may already have an established infestation by the next visit. |
What Our Customers Ask: Real Questions from Homeowners Like You
“I never see bugs. Do I really need regular service?”
This is the most common question we get. The goal of preventative service is to make sure you never see bugs. The pests we stop are the ones you don’t see the ones chewing on your wiring, damaging your siding, or building a colony in your walls. Think of it as insurance for your home’s structure and your family’s health.
“I tried a one-time treatment, but the ants came back. Why?”
One-time treatments address the active pests you see at that moment. They do not create a lasting barrier against new invaders. Pests breed on a continuous cycle. Regular treatments break that cycle, providing continuous defense.
“Is quarterly pest control safe for my pets and kids?”
Absolutely. Professional-grade products today are designed to be highly targeted and low-impact. At AMPM, we use EPA-approved formulas and place them in specific, out-of-reach areas like baseboard cracks and wall voids. We will always review safety precautions with you before any treatment.
“How I Chose My Plan” A Customer Referral Story
“We moved into a 1980s rambler in Redmond surrounded by trees. We saw a few ants in the spring, so we sprayed ourselves and thought that was that. By fall, we had a full on carpenter ant infestation in a bathroom wall, which cost us thousands in repairs.
After that nightmare, we signed up for AMPM’s quarterly plan. It’s been three years now, and we haven’t seen a single pest since. The technician finds and seals new entry points we’d never notice. The peace of mind is worth every penny. I refer them to all my neighbors.“
– Mark & Sarah R., Redmond
Your Home’s Pest Control Checklist: Find Your Frequency
Answer these questions to find your starting point:
- Yes/No: My home is near a wooded area, water, or a large field.
- Yes/No: I’ve had a pest issue (ants, spiders, rodents) in the last 2 years.
- Yes/No: My home is more than 20 years old.
- Yes/No: I frequently see pests indoors during seasonal changes.
If you answered YES to 2 or more, a Quarterly plan is likely the best investment to protect your home.
If you answered YES to 1, a Bi-Monthly plan is a strong preventative measure.
If you answered NO to all, an Annual inspection is a good way to ensure nothing changes.
Still Unsure? Let Us Diagnose Your Risk For Free.
The best way to know for sure is to have an expert assess your property. We’ll look for vulnerabilities you can’t see and recommend a schedule that makes sense for you, with no obligation.
Contact AMPM Exterminators today for a free, 20 point property inspection. Let’s build a personalized plan to keep your home safe, comfortable, and pest free.