Frequently Asked Questions — Patriot Pest Management

Pest Control FAQ — Your Questions Answered

We know that dealing with pests can be stressful, and choosing the right pest control company is an important decision. Below you'll find answers to the questions our customers ask most often. If you don't see your question here, give us a call at (850) 994-3990 — we're always happy to help.

General Questions

What areas do you serve?

Patriot Pest Management is headquartered in Pace, Florida and serves all of Santa Rosa County and Escambia County, including Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pensacola, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville. We also serve parts of Okaloosa County.

Do you offer free inspections?

Yes! We offer free pest inspections for residential properties. One of our licensed technicians will visit your home, identify any existing pest issues or conditions that could attract pests, and provide you with a detailed assessment and treatment recommendation — all at no cost or obligation.

How much does pest control cost?

Pricing depends on the type of service, the size of your property, and the severity of the pest issue. Our quarterly general pest control plans are very affordable, and we offer competitive pricing on all services. We'll provide a clear, upfront quote after your free inspection — no hidden fees or surprise charges.

How often should I have pest control service?

For most homes in Northwest Florida, we recommend quarterly pest control service (every 3 months). Our warm, humid climate keeps pests active year-round, and regular treatments maintain a protective barrier around your home. Some situations — like active infestations or commercial properties — may require monthly service.

Do I need to be home during treatment?

Not necessarily. For exterior-only treatments, you don't need to be home. If interior treatment is required, we can work with you to schedule a convenient time. Many of our customers provide access instructions so we can treat while they're at work.

Pest-Specific Questions

How do I know if I have termites?

Common signs of termite activity include mud tubes on your foundation or walls, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows or doors (especially in spring), and frass (small wood-colored pellets) near wooden structures. Unfortunately, termites often cause significant damage before they're noticed. That's why we recommend annual professional termite inspections for all homes in Northwest Florida.

What's the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?

Subterranean termites live underground and build mud tubes to access wood in your home. They're the most destructive termite species in Florida. Drywood termites live directly inside the wood they're consuming and don't need soil contact — they're more common in coastal areas like Pensacola and Gulf Breeze. Both require different treatment approaches, which is why professional identification is important.

Why do I keep seeing ants even after spraying?

Over-the-counter sprays often kill only the ants you can see, while the colony (which can contain hundreds of thousands of ants) remains alive underground or in your walls. Professional ant control uses targeted baits and non-repellent products that worker ants carry back to the colony, eliminating it at the source. Different ant species also require different treatment strategies.

Can you get rid of mosquitoes in my yard?

While it's impossible to eliminate every mosquito, our professional yard treatments can reduce mosquito populations by up to 90%. We treat breeding areas, resting spots, and apply barrier treatments to vegetation where mosquitoes harbor. Regular monthly treatments during mosquito season (typically March through October in Northwest Florida) provide the best results.

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Look for small, rust-colored stains on your sheets or mattress, tiny dark spots (fecal matter) along mattress seams, and itchy red welts on your skin that appear in lines or clusters. Bed bugs are excellent hiders and are most active at night. If you suspect bed bugs, contact us immediately — early detection makes treatment much more effective.

Service Questions

What is a WDO inspection?

A WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) inspection is a thorough evaluation of a property for evidence of termites, wood-decay fungi, wood-boring beetles, and other organisms that damage wood structures. WDO inspections are typically required by lenders for real estate transactions in Florida. Our inspectors are certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

What is TAP insulation?

TAP (Thermal Acoustical Pest Control) insulation is a blown-in cellulose insulation that is treated with a borate-based pest control compound. It provides three benefits in one: improved energy efficiency (reducing heating and cooling costs), sound dampening, and long-lasting protection against common pests like ants, roaches, silverfish, and termites. It's installed over your existing attic insulation.

Do you offer commercial pest control?

Yes. We provide comprehensive commercial pest management for restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, offices, warehouses, retail stores, schools, and property management companies. Our commercial programs are HACCP-compliant and include regular service visits, detailed documentation for health inspectors, and rapid response for any pest emergencies.

What's included in your lawn pest control service?

Our lawn and outdoor pest management programs target fire ants, mole crickets, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and other lawn-damaging pests. We also offer fertilization and weed control as part of a complete lawn care program. Service frequency and specific treatments are customized based on your lawn type, condition, and the pests present.

Safety Questions

Are your treatments safe for pets?

Yes. We use products and application methods that are designed to be safe for households with pets. We typically ask that pets be kept off treated areas until the product has dried (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour). Our technicians will always inform you of any specific precautions for your particular treatment. If you have fish tanks or exotic pets, please let us know in advance so we can take extra precautions.

Are your treatments safe for children?

Absolutely. The safety of your family is our top priority. We use EPA-registered products applied by trained professionals according to label directions. Most of our treatments are applied to exterior perimeters, cracks, crevices, and targeted areas that are out of reach of children. We recommend keeping children away from treated areas until dry.

What products do you use?

We use a variety of professional-grade, EPA-registered pest control products including liquid residual treatments, granular baits, gel baits, and growth regulators. The specific products we use depend on the target pest and the environment. All products are applied according to strict label guidelines by our licensed technicians. We're happy to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for any products used at your property.

Do I need to leave my house during treatment?

For standard pest control treatments, you do not need to leave your home. Our technicians apply products to targeted areas (baseboards, cracks, crevices, exterior perimeter) that pose no risk to occupants. For certain specialty treatments like fumigation, temporary relocation may be necessary — but your technician will discuss this with you well in advance and provide detailed preparation instructions.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Call us at (850) 994-3990 or visit our contact page to send us a message. Our team is always happy to answer your pest control questions and provide guidance — even if you're not sure you need service yet.

Patriot Pest Management — Improving the quality of life in our community through trustworthy, high-quality pest control.