Pest FAQs
What types of pest control issues are you seeing here in Chicago?
ANSWER
The most recent epidemic is bed bugs; there have been a number of stories in the news about infestations in theaters, retail stores, and other places people gather, in addition to the home. Bed-bug problems started appearing in much great numbers in 2006. Prior to that time, bed bug calls were very rare. By 2007, as many as one in four calls involved bed bugs, and the numbers are only growing because they can be carried by people from one place to another.
There are many different types of bed bug reports –both from people who think they might be getting bitten, as well as those from people who may not be sure if they were bitten or not.
Bed bugs present a unique challenge, because their presence is difficult to detect when the problem first appears. The first symptom is a bite. But was the source of the bite a bed bug? For example, a mosquito bite can resemble a bed bug bite. Also, bed-bug bites affect different people in different ways. It is not uncommon for just one member of the family to be experiencing bites, while the other members of the family appear to go unbitten.
This can go on for months, during which no other evidence of bed bugs can be directly observed. During this time period, the bed bug infestation is not known with 100% certainty, so we as bed bug experts are vigilant and sensitive to finding conclusive evidence.
There are various methods used for such diagnosis. For example, some pest control companies will employ the assistance of K-9 bed-bug sniffing dogs. Unfortunately the use of these dogs cans double the cost of treatment. Others – including us– use bed-bug detecting devices and traps. These traps release carbon dioxide at specific intervals, replicating the breathing of a human being. This attracts the bed bugs, which then fall into a water trap and can then be absolutely identified. However, these devices are often not necessary because the cost of treatment – whether certain of bed-bug presence or not -- is not much more than the detection of the bed bugs. Unless there’s a specific reason to be certain of their presence — say, in a hotel room— in many cases, it’s more economical just to treat for the infestation rather than spend extra money to be certain of their presence. For this reason, it is best to consults with our trained staff for alternative solutions that meet the customer’s requirements at every price point.
You mentioned that Resolve Pest Solutions uses green methods in their pest control service; can you elaborate?
ANSWER
The term “green” when it applies to pest control, generally refers to two characteristics. One is the decreased use of chemicals/pesticides, and the other is the use of methods that can exclude the pest problem in the beginning, thereby eliminating the need for chemical or pesticide treatments at all. Techniques for exclusion can come in many different forms depending on the pest. For example, we are entering the fall season when mouse control becomes a major focus in the Chicago area. As the weather becomes cooler, mouse infestations become more evident and calls to us for mouse control increase. We offer a permanent solution to mouse infestations with our mouse-proofing service. With this service we not only get rid of a homeowner’s current problem, we take steps to insure that the problem will not reoccur in subsequent years by excluding them from the residence. Our mouse proofing service carries a three year warranty, although with this service a homeowner’s mouse problems should be solved indefinitely.
What other types of pests can be controlled with exclusion techniques rather than the traditional poisoning method?
ANSWER
Rats and mice are the most common pests that can be controlled with exclusion techniques that provide permanent solutions. For example, we offer rat barriers for surface issues (that is, outside the perimeter of a home) where rats are taking over a homeowner’s yard. Many of our Chicago neighbors are unable to use their own yards because they’re overrun by rats. In many cases, we can erect rat barriers so that the homeowners can enjoy their yards again. And, we guarantee such work for three years.
And, where rats are emerging within a home we offer rat corrections work. We first identify the method by which rats are entering a home, and block it once and for all. And, we guarantee such work as well for three years.
Also, more and more we are seeing innovations in the exclusion of insects as well. For example, we offer pre-construction treatment for termites. This treatment is performed at the early stages of the construction of the structure. We work with construction companies that are building “green buildings” that conform to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification process. Builders are given points toward green certification by implementing pre-construction treatment of their new structures. In the long run, steps such as pre-construction treatments will greatly reduce the need for chemical treatments into the subsoil of homes and greatly reduce the chemical footprint of their structure.
When chemicals are required, what do you use?
ANSWER
Sometimes, only a chemical treatment will do. For example, the use of heat and steam to kill bed bugs can be costly and ineffective. Instead, we stay abreast of research and developments in the field, and use the latest chemical treatments instead of prior treatments that are not as effective.
For example, Bayer recently had a new chemical treatment, “Temprid”, recently approved by the FDA. Bayer reports that, Temprid’s fusion of imidacloprid and beta-cyfluthrin provides faster bed bug control than competitive pyrethroid products.”
Using the right chemical can minimize the number of treatments. With the use of carefully applied chemicals, we are able to eliminate most levels of bed bug infestations in one to two visits. We use two delivery methods for our pesticides, both liquid and powder. Both powders and liquids have properties that make each of them important to our treatment process.
There appears to be an upswing on the amount of rat sightings around the city. Is it true that we are seeing more rats?
ANSWER
That question is hard to answer conclusively, but we have seen an upswing in the amount of activity this summer. The area that seems to be particularly hard hit this summer has been Wrigleyville extending south to Diversey from Ashland east to Sheffield. While Lincoln Park still maintains its ranking with us as number one in level of infestation (based on call volume) we have been surprised at the increase of calls in the area described above.
What makes Resolve Pest Solutions different than most other pest control companies?
ANSWER
Our approach to Pest Control is one that seeks permanent resolution rather than continued visits that never solve the problem. Our approach to pest control utilizes the latest technologies and treatments. This concentrated approach allows us to solve most pest problems in one to three visits. Resolve Pest Solutions builds ties through performance, not contracts. We reward our employees on the basis of good performance and customer satisfaction.
We also specialize in institutional accounts, having both a residential and commercial services. We can accommodate the special needs and schedules of property managers, retailers, restaurants, educational facilities, and the like.
Mike wrote:
Bed bugs are still a problem in Chicago. We have been able to defeat them through the use of various chemicals. We have are not committed to any one chemical.
The pesticide industry is much like the pharmaceutical industry as certain companies have control over certain chemicals that they have created. It is only fair because of all the research that goes into formulating today’s new chemicals. So what will be the new imidacloprid or Fibronil?
Less than one year ago, Temprid was labled safe for use in bed bug control. go to this link on Bayer's site to learn more about Temprid:
http://www.backedbybayer.com/Bayer/CropScience/BackedByBayer.nsf/id/EN_Pest