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Looking for answers to your pest control concerns? Arsenal Exterminating is here to answer any questions with our FAQ. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for further assistance.
General Pest Control FAQs
What types of pests do you typically treat in Arizona homes?
The pests we most frequently treat for include ants, cockroaches, scorpions, black-widow and common house spiders, crickets, earwigs, silverfish, and occasionally roof or pack rats. Basically, if it thrives in the Valley’s heat, our experienced team knows how to effectively treat for it.
How often should I schedule pest control services?
Maintaining a consistent pest control barrier is essential. Once applied, our treatments begin to break down after 45–60 days, which is why most homeowners choose bi-monthly application. If your property backs up to a desert wash, has mature or dense landscaping, or you want to significantly minimize or eliminate pest sightings, monthly treatment is a better choice.
Are your pest control treatments safe for kids and pets?
Yes. At Arsenal Exterminating, we use EPA-registered materials and environmentally responsible methods wherever possible. Targeted, low-odor applications are placed only where pests live and breed. After treatment, simply keep children and pets off treated areas until they’re dry (typically about 30 minutes).
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Queen Creek and serve San Tan Valley, Florence, Coolidge, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities. On the outskirts? Call us – if we can’t help, we’ll point you toward someone reputable who can.
Do I need to be present in my home during treatment?
You do not need to be home for exterior service. If we need to treat indoors, we’ll set a narrow window that fits your schedule and text when we’re on the way. Once your service is complete, you’ll receive a digital report—complete with photos, notes, and product labels.
How long does a typical pest control service take?
Routine maintenance runs 20–30 minutes. First-time clean-outs or heavy infestations may take up to an hour; if so, we’ll let you know in advance.
Do you offer one-time treatments or only recurring services?
Both. One-time visits are great for sudden ant trails or a move-in cockroach surprise. Ongoing plans, however, cost less per visit and keep the protective barrier unbroken.
What should I do to prepare for a pest control visit?
Pick up toys, move pet bowls, clear clutter from baseboards, and trim shrubs touching the house. If cupboards or closets need to be emptied, we’ll let you know ahead of time.
How much does pest control service cost?
Plans start at $49 per month, $85 bi-monthly, or $125 quarterly (each with a modest one-time start-up fee). Every visit includes interior and exterior treatment, spider-web removal, entry-point dusting, and glue boards—always contract-free and priced up front.
Do you offer warranties or guarantees on your services?
Yes. Monthly plans carry a 30-day guarantee, bi-monthly 60 days, and quarterly 90 days. If covered pests pop up inside that window, we’ll re-treat at no charge.
Termite Inspection & Removal FAQs
How do I know if I have termites?
The most common signs of termites include pencil-thin mud tubes on foundations, winged “swarmers” around lights or windows, hollow-sounding wood, or tiny piles of debris that look similar to sawdust, aka frass. If you notice any of these, schedule a free inspection right away.
What’s involved in a termite inspection?
One of our licensed techs will inspect the entire structure, including the inside, outside, attic, and, if accessible, crawl spaces. Techs will probe wood, check for moisture, and scan the area for shelter tubes or frass. After, you’ll get a same-day report with photos, findings, and treatment options.
Are termite inspections required for real estate transactions?
Although Arizona doesn’t require termite inspections for real estate transactions, most AZ lenders request a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR). And, even when it’s not required, buyers and sellers rely on it to avoid unanticipated, expensive surprises.
What types of termites are common in Arizona?
The two most common are desert subterranean termites (build mud tubes from soil) and western drywood termites (nest directly in wood) – and both types can cause significant damage.
How do you treat and remove termites?
We treat subterranean colonies with liquid soil barriers or monitoring bait stations around the foundation. For drywood infestations, we spot treat with foam or dust applications. And in the case of extensive infestations, whole structure fumigation may be required.
Can termites come back after treatment?
Yes they can, if the treatment barrier deteriorates or new colonies move in. We include a renewable warranty with each of our jobs, as well as the option for annual re-inspections to ensure your barrier stays intact.
Is preventive termite treatment available?
Yes. We offer preventive termite treatment options including pre-construction soil pretreats, post-construction liquid barriers, and bait-station monitoring to stop colonies and prevent them from reaching your home.
Bee Removal FAQs
What should I do if I discover a bee hive on my property?
If you find a hive, stay calm – noise or vibration can trigger defensive behavior, especially with Africanized bees. Keep people and pets at least 15 feet away and call us right away.
Do you offer humane bee removal services?
We prioritize humane bee removal techniques whenever the conditions allow – including live-capture and relocating honey-bee colonies to local beekeepers. There are some cases where a hive is deeply embedded or highly defensive which makes conditions less favorable for relocation but we’ll discuss safe bee eradication options with you first.
Is it safe to try and remove bees myself?
NO – never try to remove a hive by yourself. Even small hives house THOUSANDS of bees, and relocation requires permits, training, and protective gear.
What’s the difference between bees and wasps in Arizona?
Bees are fuzzy pollinators that typically sting once; wasps are sleek, can sting repeatedly, and become aggressive around food. Removal techniques differ for each.
Do you remove aggressive bees?
Yes – we have specialized suits, vacuums, and containment tools to remove aggressive Africanized (“killer”) bees safely.
Rat Removal FAQs
How do I know if I have rats in my home?
Common signs of rats include rice-sized droppings, gnaw marks on wiring or food bags, greasy rub marks along walls, and scratching sounds in the attic after dark.
What health risks do rats pose?
Rats can carry and transmit hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. And, if they gnaw on wires it can increase your fire risk.
Do you use traps or bait for rat control?
For rat control, we use a combination of snap traps and locked bait stations placed in high-activity areas and then monitor them until activity stops.
Will you seal entry points after removal?
Yes. We locate and close entry point gaps as small as ½ inch around rooflines, vents, and utility penetration points to prevent rats from returning.
How can I prevent rats from coming back?
Store food in airtight containers, bring all pet dishes in at night, trim tree limbs away from your roof, and schedule an annual attic check.
Scorpion Control FAQs
What types of scorpions are common in Arizona?
Arizona bark scorpions are the most common type of scorpions we see, but we also occasionally see desert hairy and stripetail scorpions as well.
Are scorpions dangerous to humans and pets?
Bark scorpion stings can cause serious reactions in sensitive individuals like kids, seniors, and some small pets. While other local species are typically less harmful, their stings can still be painful.
How do you get rid of scorpions?
Since scorpions can be difficult to see and find during the day, we conduct nighttime black-light inspections, apply localized treatments as needed, remove yard debris, and seal all entry points.
Can I scorpion-proof my home?
Yes. Scorpions tend to find entry through small entry points so to scorpion-proof your home you must locate weak points and seal them – install tight door sweeps and window screens, caulk all cracks, and consider a professional home-sealing service.
Do scorpion treatments last, or do they need to be repeated?
Once applied, outdoor products degrade in about 45 days. So to maintain an effective barrier for your home, schedule monthly or bi-monthly scorpion control service.
Gopher Removal FAQs
How do I know if gophers are causing damage to my yard?
Look for fresh dirt mounds with plugged holes, as well as suddenly wilting plants – which are very common signs of an active gopher site.
What kind of damage can gophers do to my property?
Gophers may be cute but can cause a lot of damage by chewing roots and irrigation lines, creating holes that are trip hazards, and compromising your patio’s structural integrity.
What methods do you use to get rid of gophers?
Because these critters tunnel into the earth it poses unique removal challenges so we use underground traps and, when needed, a registered fumigant or bait that is safe for both pets and wildlife.
How long does gopher removal usually take?
By utilizing frequent trap checks and making adjustments as needed, most yards are able to be cleared of gophers in 1–2 weeks.
Can you prevent gophers from returning after removal?
While there is no way to completely guarantee that gophers will never return, we can place highly effective underground barriers near high activity sites and we also offer periodic monitoring services which can help prevent gophers from returning.
Ant Removal FAQs
What are the most common types of ants in Arizona homes?
Common ants found in Arizona homes include Argentine ants, odorous house ants, southern fire ants, carpenter ants, and pavement ants.
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation?
Look for small ant trails (these trails indicate ants seeking food and water), winged ants indoors, or small soil mounds – aka ant hills/mounds – along your foundation slab or near slab or paver cracks.
What treatments do you use to eliminate ants?
We use ant species-specific gel and granular baits along with a non-repellent perimeter treatment that worker ants carry back to the colony. For Carpenter ant nests we use a direct foam application.
Will the ants come back after treatment?
Once treated, the existing ant colony is eliminated, but new colonies can eventually migrate in which is why maintaining an effective protective barrier is essential. With regular exterior services, you will keep the barrier in tact and any new ant activity will be addressed early and swiftly.
Are your ant control methods safe for children and pets?
Yes, Arsenal Exterminating always uses children and pet-safe ant control methods. Ant baits sit in tamper-resistant stations or pinpoint dots, and residual sprays are low-odor and family-friendly once dry.
