Pest Control Faqs
Everything You Need to Know About Pest Control
General Questions
What services does Taps Pest Control offer?
Taps Pest Control provides comprehensive pest management services, including general pest control, termite treatment, mosquito control, rodent control, wildlife removal, and exclusion services. We serve residential and commercial properties across Florida.
How do I schedule a pest control service?
Scheduling a service is easy! You can call us at (813) 592-7643, email us, or fill out our online contact form to set up an appointment with one of our experts.
Is Taps Pest Control licensed and insured?
Yes! We are fully licensed, insured, and experienced professionals who adhere to industry standards and local regulations to provide safe and effective pest control solutions.
How long does a typical pest control treatment take?
Most pest control treatments take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the property and the severity of the infestation.
Do I need to leave my home during pest control treatment?
For most treatments, you can stay home. However, for fumigation or specific chemical applications, we may advise temporary evacuation for safety.
DIY Pest Control Tips
What are some natural ways to keep pests out of my home?
Here are some DIY pest prevention tips:
Seal cracks and entry points to prevent rodents and insects from getting inside.
Keep food stored in airtight containers to avoid attracting pests.
Use essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or citrus to deter ants and spiders.
Keep your home clean and clutter-free, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Remove standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.
What is the best way to get rid of ants in my kitchen?
To eliminate ants:
Identify the entry point and seal cracks.
Use a vinegar and water solution to clean surfaces and erase ant trails.
Place ant baits or diatomaceous earth near entry points for long-term control.
Avoid leaving crumbs or food exposed to reduce ant attraction.
How can I prevent termites from damaging my home?
Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and ensuring proper ventilation.
Store firewood away from your home and avoid wood-to-ground contact.
Schedule regular termite inspections with Taps Pest Control for early detection.
Apply preventative termite treatments to minimize risks.
What household items help repel pests?
- Diatomaceous earth for crawling insects.
- Cinnamon or coffee grounds to deter ants.
- Cedarwood chips to repel moths and rodents.
- Lemon or vinegar sprays to keep bugs away.
About Our Services
How often should I schedule pest control treatments?
The frequency of treatments depends on the type of pest and infestation level. We offer monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly service plans to ensure continuous protection.
Are your pest control treatments safe for pets and children?
Yes! Our treatments are eco-friendly and safe for families and pets. We take extra precautions to ensure minimal risk while effectively eliminating pests.
Do you offer emergency pest control services?
Absolutely! If you have a severe infestation or urgent pest issue, contact us immediately at (813) 592-7643 for same-day or next-day service availability.
What is included in a pest control service visit?
Thorough inspection of the property.
Identification of pests and problem areas.
Application of safe and effective treatments.
Recommendations for prevention and follow-up visits.
Wildlife Removal & Exclusion
What wildlife removal services do you provide?
We specialize in the safe and humane removal of raccoons, squirrels, bats, opossums, and armadillos. Our exclusion services prevent wildlife from returning.
How do I know if I have rodents in my home?
Signs of a rodent infestation include:
Droppings in pantries, drawers, and along baseboards.
Gnawed wires, insulation, or food packaging.
Scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night.
Unusual pet behavior indicating the presence of rodents.
Foul odor from hidden nests.
What should I do if I find a raccoon or opossum in my attic?
Do not attempt to remove it yourself—wildlife can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Close off access to other areas of your home to prevent further intrusion.
Call Taps Pest Control immediately for safe and humane removal.
Do not leave pet food or garbage exposed outside your home.
How can I prevent wildlife from entering my home?
- Seal entry points such as holes in your roof, vents, and foundation.
- Keep garbage bins secured with tight-fitting lids.
- Remove outdoor food sources, including pet food left outside.
- Trim tree branches away from the roofline to prevent access.
- Install chimney caps and vent covers to block entry points.
What happens to the wildlife after removal?
Taps Pest Control follows humane relocation and exclusion methods, ensuring that wildlife is safely relocated to a more suitable environment where they can thrive without causing harm to your home.
What wildlife removal services do you provide?
We specialize in the safe and humane removal of raccoons, squirrels, bats, opossums, and armadillos. Our exclusion services prevent wildlife from returning.
How do I know if I have rodents in my home?
Signs of a rodent infestation include:
Droppings in pantries, drawers, and along baseboards.
Gnawed wires, insulation, or food packaging.
Scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night.
Unusual pet behavior indicating the presence of rodents.
Foul odor from hidden nests.
Mosquito & Insect Control
How can I reduce mosquito populations around my home?
Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and potted plants.
Use mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds.
Install outdoor fans to disrupt mosquito flight patterns.
Schedule monthly mosquito treatments with Taps Pest Control for long-term protection.
Use mosquito dunks in water sources that cannot be drained.
What attracts cockroaches to my home?
- Food crumbs and spills that aren’t cleaned up.
- Leaky pipes and excess moisture.
- Clutter and cardboard storage areas.
- Warm, dark spaces like under appliances.
- Dirty dishes left in the sink.
Are mosquitoes more active during certain times of the day?
- Food crumbs and spills that aren’t cleaned up.
- Leaky pipes and excess moisture.
- Clutter and cardboard storage areas.
- Warm, dark spaces like under appliances.
- Dirty dishes left in the sink.
How do I keep wasps from nesting around my home?
Regularly inspect eaves, gutters, and sheds for early signs of nests.
Keep garbage bins sealed tightly to avoid attracting them.
Plant natural wasp repellents like peppermint, eucalyptus, and spearmint.
Remove unused outdoor furniture and clutter, which can serve as nesting areas.
Can certain scents repel insects naturally?
Yes! Many natural scents act as insect repellents, including:
Peppermint and eucalyptus for spiders and ants.
Lemon and vinegar to deter flies and mosquitoes.
Lavender and basil to keep mosquitoes and flies at bay.
How often should I schedule professional mosquito treatments?
For the best results, monthly treatments are recommended, especially during warmer months when mosquito activity is at its peak.
Do electronic bug zappers work for mosquito control?
Bug zappers can kill some insects, but mosquitoes are not strongly attracted to them. Instead, they are drawn to carbon dioxide and body heat, so solutions like professional mosquito treatments and repellents are more effective.
How can I reduce mosquito populations around my home?
Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and potted plants.
Use mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds.
Install outdoor fans to disrupt mosquito flight patterns.
Schedule monthly mosquito treatments with Taps Pest Control for long-term protection.
Use mosquito dunks in water sources that cannot be drained.
What attracts cockroaches to my home?
- Food crumbs and spills that aren’t cleaned up.
- Leaky pipes and excess moisture.
- Clutter and cardboard storage areas.
- Warm, dark spaces like under appliances.
- Dirty dishes left in the sink.
Termite Protection
What are the early signs of a termite infestation?
Mud tubes on walls or foundations.
Discarded wings near windows or doors.
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
Small piles of sawdust or frass.
Sagging floors or ceilings.
Do I need termite protection even if I don’t see any signs?
Yes! Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before they are detected. Preventative treatments and annual inspections help safeguard your home.
How can I prevent termites from invading my home?
Ensure proper drainage around the foundation to reduce excess moisture.
Keep woodpiles and mulch away from the exterior walls of your home.
Schedule regular inspections with a pest control professional.
Seal foundation cracks and gaps where termites could enter.
What is the difference between drywood and subterranean termites?
- Drywood termites live inside wood and do not require soil contact.
- Subterranean termites build underground colonies and create mud tubes to access food sources.
- Both types can cause severe structural damage if left untreated.
What termite treatment options does Taps Pest Control offer?
Spot treatments for localized infestations.
Bait stations to monitor and eliminate termite colonies.
Liquid barriers to create long-term termite prevention.
Wood treatments to protect exposed wood structures.
How often should I have my home inspected for termites?
We recommend annual termite inspections to detect infestations early and prevent costly damage.
Are termite treatments safe for pets and children?
Yes! Our termite treatments are EPA-approved and applied by trained professionals to ensure safety for your family and pets.
Can I treat a termite infestation on my own?
DIY termite treatments are often ineffective for long-term control. A professional pest control service ensures complete colony elimination and lasting protection.
How long do termite treatments last?
The effectiveness of termite treatments varies based on the method used:
Liquid barrier treatments typically last 5 to 10 years.
Bait stations require ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Spot treatments may need periodic reapplication depending on the severity of the infestation.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage, as it is considered preventable through routine maintenance. Regular inspections can help protect your home from costly repairs.
What are the early signs of a termite infestation?
Mud tubes on walls or foundations.
Discarded wings near windows or doors.
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
Small piles of sawdust or frass.
Sagging floors or ceilings.
Do I need termite protection even if I don’t see any signs?
Yes! Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before they are detected. Preventative treatments and annual inspections help safeguard your home.
Contact Us
Still have questions? Our expert team is here to help! Contact Taps Pest Control today for professional pest management solutions.