Frequently Asked Questions
Because what we do is important to you.
Are our products safe?
All our liquid products are safe once they are dry. It usually takes an hour for our products to adhere to surfaces. once dry, the product is safe to have around your family and pets.
Rodent bait is enclosed in a tamper resistance bait box and cannot be chewed open. The Bait itself is secured by a rod and not accessible.
Do we spray the interior of the home?
Yes at request. Most of the time an interior spray is not required. We will tell you ahead of time if you will need to vacate.
If we ask you to vacate, we usually ask you to leave for Three hours. pets included.
Fish or reptiles? ensure that the tank is covered with a towel and air pump is off.
Will the Attic and crawlspace get sprayed as well?
No, the initial and maintenance packages do not include a general spray of the crawlspace and attic. If there is an insect infestation (ants, silverfish, ect) we will spot treat the attic as needed.
We can spray the areas for an additional cost. and only once a year. You will need to vacate.
What about the Garage?
The interior of the Garage is considered part of the exterior spray. We ask that the door stay open for One hour and the area be avoided.
How long does the chemical last once applied?
Most of our products last 3 months before they degrade completely.
How do you get rid of rodents?
To rid of rodents, we seal up entry points, flush out the rodents via snap traps and place rodent bait stations outside to monitor activity and ensure rodents aren’t getting into the crawlspace.
We regularly return to reset traps and refill station along with adjusting service to ensure results.
What does an inspection include?
The Inspection program is designed to asses the extent of your activity and annotation of issues we see. It includes an exterior walk round the building, checking the crawlspace for problems and an assessment of the pest related issues. The attic is checked if either the client or technicians requests it.
For rodents and other non insect animals traps and or a camera will be left for a week in order to further understand the issue and provide feedback.
A letter may be requested otherwise annotation will be made on the invoice.
Do we work on Manufactured homes?
Yes. but if your manufactured home has a aluminum or any other type of skirting in heavy disrepair we will not do any repairs or exclusion work. We will only do extermination work and are not responsible for dead rodent smells coming from under the wall.
Do we service apartment complexes?
Yes! We currently service several apartment complexes at this time. We provide services via individual owners and property management companies.
Can I pay my bill online?
Yes, contact the office to set it up
Does APC service businesses?
Yes! we currently service hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, warehouses and more. We are aware of the special needs that a business requires such as early/late appointments, discretion and specialized equipment. Prices vary, and we request an initial meeting to go over needs.
My property manager said that I am responsible for my pest control, what can you do?
We have noticed that new lease agreements state that pest control is now the Tenants responsibility. In the past, we have written letters to the property manager and the owners. Those letters that are based on our inspection have persuaded Landlords to provide services.
The new agreements usually do not differentiate between nuisance pests and pests that can damage a home.
What can you do about stinging insects such as yellow jackets, wasps and hornets?
When it comes to stinging insects, we generally treat nests and infestations. We cannot keep such insects from loitering around your home or property. we are also limited to nests building in tall trees and ne
Why 90 day programs?
90 day programs allow us enough time to manage the situation and ensure the issue is taken care of. For most clients results will be immediate but not always. If you are within the 90 day period we will come out and retreat with no charge for return visits.
What pests are included in our insect programs?
Ants of all types, Termites, Spiders, Earwigs and most crawling insects. the program also covers you from Wasp nests building on your home (hovering and wandering wasps/hornets not included)
Fleas, Cockroaches, Bedbugs and Powderpost beetles are not included and are part of their own individual programs because of their particular needs.
How does our Rodent program work and what is included?
Our rodent program starts with an inspection and setting snap traps in affected areas and stations on perimeter. Exclusion work is annotated in the inspection and it will be done either at the first appointment or on a return trip depending on what needs to be done. Generally, the first 3 exclusion points will be included in the service but we will let you know right away what additional work needs to be done. Full crawlspace door replacement is not included and will be an additional charge. cost includes all return trips.
Do we service bat related issues?
No, Bats are considered wildlife. We do not do exclusion work for bats because we cant guarantee that we will fix all issues. We recommend calling bat or wildlife companies and getting in touch with a roofer.
Do we handle Racoons?
No, they are considered wildlife.
What is a Structural Pest Inspection (SPI) and what is the difference between it and a regular pest inspection?
An SPI is conducted for the purpose of determining evidence of infestation , damage, or conducive condition as part of the transfer, exchange or refinancing of any structure. It requires a tracking number be issued by the WSDA and specialized paperwork.
A regular pest inspection does not provide the NPMA-33 but has been used many times as part of the sale of the home.
How do we treat Bedbugs?
We treat bedbugs via a combination of chemical (pesticides) and heat (steam). We provide a 90 warranty and bedbug monitoring devices
Do we treat “Sugar ants”?
Yes, most of the time we will determine that they are Odorous house ants and treat accordingly.
When are payments due?
Generally, clients on a maintenance program have 30 days to pay. All other services require payment at time of service or with prior arrangements.
Who is the owner of APC?
Absolute pest control is locally owned and Operated by Robert Coleman. Rob, is a local Oak Harbor resident who has lived on the island since 1993, graduated from OHHS in 2004 and joined the US ARMY in 2005.
Is Absolute pest control local?
Yes, APC was created and operated in Oak Harbor and has no ties to off island companies.