FAQ
Pest control questions, answered
99 answers from Rehoboth Pest Control. Type your question to search.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The consultation is free, with no obligation to sign up for anything. Every service then includes our 20-point inspection, inside and out, on the day of treatment.
Getting started
What happens during the 20-point inspection?
It's part of every service, on the day of treatment. A technician inspects your home inside and out for signs of pests, the places they're getting in and the conditions that attract them, explains what they found, then treats the source.
Getting started
How quickly can you come out?
Book online or call (484) 378-5277 and we'll give you the soonest time. Reviewers mention same-day and next-day visits for urgent problems like a stinging-insect nest by a door.
Getting started
What areas do you serve?
Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Lancaster and Bucks counties in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties in New Jersey. We're based in Downingtown.
Getting started
What are your hours?
Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday 12 to 8 PM.
Getting started
Do you serve businesses?
Yes: offices, retail, restaurants, warehouses, rental properties and builders. Commercial service includes scheduled visits, including before or after business hours.
Getting started
Do you work with landlords and tenants?
Yes. We coordinate access directly with tenants, so you don't have to play middleman.
Getting started
Are your treatments safe for kids and pets?
We use EPA-registered products, applied by licensed technicians according to the label, and we treat inside only where it's needed. We'll tell you how long to keep kids and pets off treated areas, which is usually until it dries.
Safety
Do you offer organic or botanical pest control?
Yes, at no extra charge. A common approach is to knock down an active problem with a conventional product, then switch to the botanical option for ongoing maintenance. Ask when you book.
Safety
Does the synthetic treatment work better than the organic one?
Generally, conventional products work faster on an active infestation. Botanical products work well for ongoing prevention. We'll recommend the right mix for your home, and you always have the final say.
Safety
Do I need to leave the house during treatment?
For most general pest treatments, no. Stay out of treated areas until they're dry. Some specialized treatments have different instructions, and we'll give you those in advance.
Safety
What if I still see pests after you treat?
Give it up to 14 days; most treatments take full effect in 10–14 days. If you're on a plan and the problem isn't resolved, we'll come back and re-service at no extra charge. One-time treatments come with a 30-day warranty.
Results & guarantee
Is your service guaranteed?
Yes. If you have a service agreement with us, we'll keep treating your pest problem until it's resolved.
Results & guarantee
Why am I seeing more bugs right after treatment?
That's common for a few days. Treatment flushes insects out of the places they hide, and they don't survive it. Activity should drop off within the 14-day window.
Results & guarantee
How long until treatments start working?
Most treatments are effective within 10–14 days. Direct treatments, like a wasp nest, usually work within a day or two.
Results & guarantee
Do you offer one-time treatments?
Yes. For an ongoing problem, though, a one-time treatment rarely solves the root cause. Pests that have built up around a home over the years usually come back without seasonal follow-up. We'll tell you honestly which makes sense.
Plans & billing
How much does pest control cost?
One-time treatments start at $250. The Four-Season plan is $50 a month, or $150 per quarterly visit. Mice, rats and German cockroaches start with a 3-week intensive treatment for $450, followed by a year-long plan. Tick, flea and mosquito service is quoted after a free consultation, and we confirm your exact price before any work starts.
Plans & billing
How can I pay?
Card, cash, check, Zelle, PayPal or Cash App. Plan customers can pay monthly.
Plans & billing
Do you charge extra for the organic option?
No. The botanical option is the same price.
Plans & billing
Do you remove honey bees or wildlife?
No. We don't treat honey bees, and we don't handle wildlife such as squirrels, groundhogs, birds or bats. We're happy to point you to a beekeeper or wildlife specialist. We do handle wasps, hornets, yellowjackets and carpenter bees.
What we treat
Do you treat bed bugs?
No. Rehoboth doesn't treat bed bugs. We're happy to point you to a company that does.
What we treat
How many pests does the general plan cover?
More than 50 common pests, including ants, spiders, wasps, centipedes, silverfish, crickets, earwigs, millipedes, pillbugs, stink bugs, outdoor cockroaches and carpenter bees up to 10 holes. Termites, rodents, German cockroaches, moles and voles have their own programs.
What we treat
Do you treat cockroaches?
Yes. American and Oriental cockroaches are typically covered by the general plan. German cockroaches need their own program: a 3-week intensive treatment, followed by a year-long plan.
What we treat
Will I see more bugs right after a treatment?
Sometimes, for a few days. Treatments flush insects out of hiding spots, so a short bump in activity usually means it's working. Most treatments reach full effect within 10–14 days.
Do I need to be home?
For the first visit, yes, so we can inspect inside and walk you through what we find. Exterior-only seasonal visits usually don't need you home. We'll let you know before we arrive.
Which pests are covered?
Ants, spiders, wasps and hornets, earwigs, silverfish, millipedes, crickets, pillbugs, centipedes, stink bugs, outdoor cockroaches (American and Oriental) and carpenter bees up to 10 holes, among more than 50 others. Termites, German cockroaches, rodents, moles and voles have their own programs because they need different methods.
Why four seasons instead of one spray?
Barriers break down with rain, sun and time, and each season brings a different set of pests. A spring visit gets ahead of ants and carpenter bees, summer handles wasps and spiders, fall seals things up before stink bugs and mice move in, and winter covers what's living indoors.
Is it safe for kids and pets?
We use EPA-registered products applied by licensed technicians according to the label, and we treat inside only where it's needed. Ask about our botanical option: there's no extra charge for it. We'll tell you how long to keep kids and pets off treated areas, usually until it dries.
Do you remove dead rodents?
Trapped rodents are removed at the next service visit. Bait often means rodents die outside, but not always; if you notice an odor, call and we'll help locate it.
Do you handle squirrels or other wildlife?
No. We don't do wildlife such as squirrels, groundhogs, birds or bats. We're happy to point you to a wildlife specialist.
How much does rodent control cost?
The 3-week intensive rodent treatment is $450, followed by a year-long plan to keep rodents out. It isn't offered as a one-time treatment, because mice come right back unless the home stays protected.
How long does it take to get rid of mice?
It depends on how many mice are inside and how many ways in there are. Reviewers describe problems coming under control within a few weeks of weekly visits, and one three-year mouse problem ending once the real entry point was found.
Are bait stations safe around kids and pets?
We use locked, tamper-resistant stations placed outside and anchored where needed. Inside the living space we rely on traps, not loose bait. Tell us about pets and we'll plan around them.
What's the rodent program?
A 3-week intensive treatment for an active indoor infestation of mice or rats, for $450. We visit frequently, adjust placements based on activity, then continue on a year-long seasonal plan. We don't offer the intensive treatment on its own or as a one-time service.
Will mole treatment hurt my lawn?
No. The barrier treatment is applied to the lawn as labeled and doesn't damage turf. Your grass recovers once the tunneling stops.
Are moles and voles the same thing?
No. Moles are insect-eaters with large digging claws that rarely surface. Voles are small rodents, like a short-tailed mouse, that eat plants. Voles often use mole tunnels, which is why the two get confused.
When is the best time to treat?
As soon as you see fresh activity. Moles are most active in spring and fall when the soil is moist. Vole damage often shows up as the snow melts, when you find runways and girdled shrubs.
Is the termite consultation really free?
Yes. The consultation is free, with no obligation.
Can I treat termites myself?
Store-bought products can kill termites you see without reaching the colony, and they can push termites to a new spot. Professional treatment is designed to protect the whole structure.
What are the signs of termites?
Pencil-width mud tubes on foundation walls or piers; wood that sounds hollow or crumbles; bubbling or rippled paint; and in spring, swarms of winged insects or piles of shed wings near windows and doors.
When do termites swarm in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
Usually on warm days in spring, often March through May, after a rain. A swarm indoors is a strong sign of an active colony in or under the house. Call for an inspection rather than spraying them.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Usually not. Most policies treat termite damage as preventable maintenance. Check your own policy, but plan as if repairs are out of pocket.
Do I need a termite inspection to sell my house?
Yes. Many buyers and lenders ask for a wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection during a sale, and Rehoboth provides real estate termite inspections with the NPMA-33 report. Call to schedule before your closing date.
Can BoraCare be applied to an existing home?
It can be applied to exposed wood, such as in an unfinished basement or crawl space. We'll tell you after an inspection whether it makes sense for your home.
How is BoraCare different from a soil treatment?
Soil treatments go down before the slab is poured and can hold up a schedule. BoraCare treats the wood itself after framing, so it fits around other trades, and borates stay in the wood rather than breaking down in the soil.
Is BoraCare safe?
Its active ingredient is a borate mineral salt with low toxicity to people and pets when applied according to the label. It targets wood-destroying insects that eat treated wood.
Who is this for?
Builders, contractors and homeowners building new homes, additions or major renovations with exposed framing.
How soon can we use the yard after a treatment?
Once the treatment has dried, usually within an hour or so. We'll give you specific timing at each visit.
Will one treatment get rid of mosquitoes all summer?
No. New mosquitoes fly in and hatch all season. Monthly treatments keep the population knocked down from March through October.
Can fleas and ticks get into my house?
Yes. Pets bring them in most often, but mice, stray animals and even your own clothes can carry them. Once inside they hide in carpet, bedding and furniture. Treat your pets with your vet's guidance and we'll treat the house.
Why do ticks matter so much here?
Pennsylvania reports more Lyme disease cases than almost any other state, and New Jersey is close behind. Blacklegged (deer) ticks carry it, and they thrive in the wooded lots and leaf litter common across our area.
Will the treatment hurt bees?
Mosquito and tick treatments target shaded resting areas, which is where these pests spend their time. We don't spray blooming plants, and we keep treatments away from flowing water like streams and ponds. Tell us about gardens or hives and we'll plan around them.
Are carpenter bees honey bees?
No. Carpenter bees are large and have a shiny, mostly bare black abdomen. Honey bees are smaller and fuzzy. We don't treat honey bees; we'll point you to a local beekeeper.
Do carpenter bees sting?
Males, the ones that hover in your face, can't sting. Females can but rarely do unless handled. The real problem is the damage: tunnels weaken wood over the years, and woodpeckers tear it up hunting the larvae.
When are carpenter bees active?
Mostly April through June, when they mate and drill new galleries. A second, quieter wave of young bees appears in late summer.
Do you treat apartments and rentals?
Yes. We work with landlords and coordinate directly with tenants for access.
How much does German cockroach treatment cost?
The 3-week intensive treatment is $450, followed by a year-long plan. We don't offer it as a one-time service, because German roaches return quickly without ongoing protection.
Why don't store-bought sprays work on German roaches?
Repellent sprays make roaches scatter into wall voids and neighboring units, and many populations are resistant to common products. Baits and growth regulators work with their behavior instead of against it.
Are German cockroaches dangerous?
They contaminate food and surfaces, and their droppings and shed skins are a known trigger for allergies and asthma, especially in children.
What do I need to do?
Before visits: clear the cabinets under the sink, wipe up grease, don't leave food or pet food out overnight and fix any leaks. Don't use your own sprays during the program; they spoil the baits.
Do you visit after business hours?
Yes. We can schedule commercial visits before or after hours so service doesn't interrupt your customers or staff.
Do you work with landlords and property managers?
Yes. Several of our reviews come from landlords: we coordinate access directly with tenants, so you don't have to be the middleman.
Which businesses do you serve?
Offices, retail stores, restaurants and food service, warehouses, multi-unit rentals and builders.
How do you get rid of ants in the house?
To get rid of ants in the house, treat the colony, not just the trail you can see. Rehoboth identifies the species, places baits that workers carry back to the nest, treats entry points and builds an exterior barrier so new colonies can't move in. Spraying visible ants with store-bought spray often splits the colony.
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray?
Contact sprays kill the foragers you see but not the queen. Some species respond by splitting into more colonies. Baits that workers carry back to the nest solve the source.
How do you get rid of spiders around the house?
Getting rid of spiders means removing their webs and their food. Rehoboth sweeps webs and egg sacs from eaves, windows and corners, dusts the cracks where spiders hide and treats the perimeter so the insects spiders feed on stay outside. If you're seeing lots of spiders, there are usually lots of insects too.
Are there brown recluse spiders in Pennsylvania?
Brown recluses aren't established in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Occasional ones arrive in moving boxes, but most 'recluse' sightings turn out to be harmless look-alikes.
How do you safely remove a wasp or hornet nest?
The safest way to remove a wasp or hornet nest is to have a professional treat it, especially nests in the ground or inside walls. Rehoboth identifies the species, treats the nest directly and removes it when safe. Treatments usually work within a day or two. Never seal a hole with yellowjackets inside: they'll chew into the house.
Do you remove honey bee swarms?
No. Honey bees are important pollinators, and we don't treat them. A local beekeeper can often collect a swarm for free. We handle wasps, hornets, yellowjackets and carpenter bees.
Are carpenter bees damaging my house?
Yes, carpenter bees can damage a house over time. Females drill perfectly round half-inch holes into fascia, soffits, decks and rails, then tunnel along the grain to lay eggs. The galleries grow every year, and woodpeckers tear up the wood hunting larvae. Rehoboth treats up to 10 holes as part of its general pest plan.
Should I plug the holes right away?
Not until activity stops. Plugging an active gallery can trap bees that then chew a new exit. We'll tell you when it's time to seal.
How do you know if you have German cockroaches?
German cockroaches are small, about half an inch, light brown, with two dark stripes on the shield behind the head. You'll usually see them in kitchens and bathrooms at night, along with pepper-like droppings in cabinet corners and a musty smell. They breed quickly indoors, so treat early with a structured multi-visit program.
Does having roaches mean my house is dirty?
No. German cockroaches usually arrive hidden in boxes, bags or used appliances, or from a neighboring unit. Clean homes get them too; clutter and food access just help them grow.
What attracts American cockroaches into a house?
American cockroaches are attracted by warmth, moisture and easy access. They usually come up from sewers, floor drains and damp basements, or in through gaps around pipes and doors. Rehoboth treats drains, basements and the exterior perimeter and recommends sealing entry points; occasional American roaches are typically covered by the general pest control plan.
Are American cockroaches the same as 'water bugs'?
People often call American and Oriental cockroaches 'water bugs' because they show up near drains and damp areas. They're cockroaches, and they're treatable.
Why do I see big black cockroaches in my basement?
Big, shiny black cockroaches in a basement are usually Oriental cockroaches. They live outdoors under mulch, stones and leaf litter and in drains, then crawl in through gaps at ground level, especially when it's damp. Rehoboth treats the perimeter, drains and entry points, and Oriental roaches are typically covered by the general plan.
Do Oriental cockroaches mean I have a moisture problem?
Often, yes. They need damp conditions, so fixing gutters, grading and basement humidity makes treatment last much longer.
How do mice get into a house?
Mice get into a house through gaps as small as a dime: around utility lines and pipes, under garage doors, through foundation vents, at the sill plate and along the roofline. They move in most in fall. Rehoboth finds and seals these entry points while trapping and baiting the mice already inside, which is what stops new ones.
If I see one mouse, are there more?
Usually. Mice breed quickly and are mostly active at night, so one sighting often means a few more out of sight. An inspection tells you how big the problem is.
What are the signs of rats around a house?
Signs of rats around a house include burrows along foundations, sheds and woodpiles; large capsule-shaped droppings about three-quarters of an inch long; gnawed wood, wires or containers; and dark greasy rub marks along regular paths. Norway rats are the common species here. Rehoboth combines baiting, trapping and exclusion to remove them.
Do you handle rats in Philadelphia rowhomes?
Yes. Rowhomes share walls and alleys, so we focus on the gaps that connect your home to the block and coordinate with neighbors when it helps.
How can you tell vole damage from mole damage?
Vole damage shows up as narrow surface runways through the grass, small open holes without mounds, chewed bulbs and roots, and bark gnawed off the base of shrubs and young trees. Mole damage is raised tunnels and volcano-shaped dirt mounds. Voles eat plants; moles eat grubs and worms. Rehoboth controls voles with tamper-resistant bait stations.
Are voles the same as field mice?
They're related rodents, and people often call them field mice, but voles have shorter tails, smaller ears and a stockier build, and they do far more damage to plants.
How do you get moles out of your lawn?
To get moles out of your lawn, you have to make the lawn a poor place to hunt or remove the moles directly. Rehoboth uses a quick, intensive mole barrier treatment that drives moles out of treated areas. Moles tunnel for grubs and earthworms, so you'll usually see raised ridges and volcano-shaped mounds before you ever see a mole.
Do moles eat plant roots?
No. Moles eat insects, grubs and earthworms. Plant damage comes from tunneling or from voles using the tunnels.
What do termites look like compared to flying ants?
Termite swarmers have straight, thick waists, straight antennae and two pairs of wings that are equal in length and about twice as long as the body. Flying ants have pinched waists, elbowed antennae and front wings longer than their back wings. Termite swarmers also shed their wings quickly. If you find a swarm indoors, call for a free termite consultation.
Can termites go through concrete?
Not through solid concrete, but they travel through cracks, expansion joints and gaps around pipes as thin as a business card, and build mud tubes over foundations.
How do you get rid of ticks in your yard?
To get rid of ticks in your yard, treat the places they wait for a host: tall grass, leaf litter, wood edges, stone walls and shady ground cover. Rehoboth treats those areas monthly from March through October and recommends keeping a mowed, mulched or gravel buffer between lawn and woods. Check yourself, kids and pets after time outside.
What should I do if I find a tick attached?
Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up, then clean the area. Save the tick in a sealed bag and talk to your doctor if you develop a rash or fever.
How do you get rid of fleas in your house?
Getting rid of fleas in your house takes three things at once: treating your pets with a vet-recommended product, treating the house, and vacuuming daily for two weeks. Most fleas live as eggs and larvae in carpet, bedding and furniture, not on the pet. Rehoboth's interior treatment targets those areas, including a growth regulator.
Why am I still seeing fleas a week after treatment?
Flea pupae are protected in their cocoons and hatch over the following days. Keep vacuuming: the vibration makes them hatch into the treatment. Activity should drop sharply within two weeks.
Does mosquito yard treatment really work?
Yes, mosquito yard treatment works when it's done regularly and paired with removing standing water. Treatment targets the shady shrubs and fence lines where adult mosquitoes rest during the day, and a monthly schedule from March through October keeps the population down as new ones arrive. Rehoboth also checks for standing water at every visit.
Why do I get bitten in the middle of the day?
That's usually the Asian tiger mosquito, a daytime biter that breeds in tiny amounts of water around the house: bottle caps, saucers, tires and tarps.
How do you keep stink bugs out of your house?
The best way to keep stink bugs out of your house is to seal and treat before they gather in early fall. Rehoboth treats sunny exterior walls, windows and eaves where stink bugs collect and recommends sealing gaps around windows, siding, vents and utility lines. Once inside, vacuum them up rather than crushing them, which releases the smell.
Why are stink bugs so common here?
The brown marmorated stink bug was first identified in the U.S. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the late 1990s, and it's been abundant across southeastern PA and New Jersey ever since.
Are house centipedes harmful?
House centipedes are mostly harmless to people. They rarely bite, and a bite feels like a mild bee sting. But they eat other insects, so seeing a lot of them usually means there's plenty of food: silverfish, spiders, roaches or ants. Rehoboth treats the moisture-prone areas where centipedes and their prey live, and helps you dry those spaces out.
Should I leave centipedes alone because they eat other bugs?
That's your call, but a big centipede population points to a bigger insect population. Treating the food source and moisture reduces both.
What causes silverfish in a house?
Silverfish are caused by humidity and food: they thrive where relative humidity is high and they can feed on paper, glue, starch and fabric. Basements, bathrooms, attics and stored boxes are typical spots. Rehoboth treats the cracks and voids where silverfish hide as part of its general plan, and lowering humidity keeps them from coming back.
Do silverfish bite?
No. Silverfish don't bite or spread disease. The concern is damage to paper, fabric and stored items.
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