Pest Control FAQ

Dade Pest Solutions is a family-owned pest control company located in South Florida. According to their website at www.dadepestsolutions.com, they provide pest control services including termite control, bed bug control, ant control, rodent control, and general exterminator services. The company uses eco-friendly methods and offers both one-time treatments and ongoing maintenance plans.

Dade Pest Solutions serves South Florida including Homestead, Princeton, Leisure City, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami, Coral Gables, and Kendall. The company phone number listed on their website is 305-330-5565.

Same-day service is available if you call before 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Availability may depend on scheduling and location.

Dade Pest Solutions provides services for termite control, bed bug control, ant control, and rodent control, among other pest management services. They offer both one-time treatments and ongoing maintenance plans.

The duration of pest control treatments varies based on several factors. According to pest control industry sources, general pest control treatments typically last 30 to 90 days. Indoor treatments generally last 60 to 90 days, while outdoor treatments last approximately 30 to 60 days due to exposure to weather conditions. Factors affecting treatment longevity include the type of pest, severity of infestation, environmental conditions such as rain and humidity, the specific products used, and the surface where treatment is applied.

Frequency of pest control service depends on location, climate, and specific pest issues. In South Florida’s year-round warm climate, pests remain active throughout the year. General residential pest control is commonly performed quarterly (every 3 months). Monthly service may be necessary for active infestations or severe pest pressure. Bi-monthly service (every 2 months) is sometimes used as a middle option. Some properties may only require annual service if pest pressure is low. In Florida’s climate, more frequent service is often needed compared to regions with colder winters.

Modern pest control products used by licensed professionals are EPA-registered and tested for safety when applied according to label directions. Standard safety precautions include keeping children and pets off treated surfaces until they are dry, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours. For interior treatments, occupants may need to leave for 2 to 4 hours depending on the treatment type. Pet food and water bowls should be covered or removed during treatment. Fish aquariums should be covered and air pumps turned off during interior treatment. Exotic pets like birds may require special precautions. Customers should inform the pest control technician about any health concerns or chemical sensitivities before treatment.

The duration of pest control service varies by treatment type and property size. Preventative exterior perimeter treatments typically take 15 to 30 minutes. Full interior and exterior treatments usually require 45 minutes to 2 hours. Active infestation treatments may take 90 to 120 minutes or longer depending on severity. Initial inspections generally take 30 to 60 minutes. Specialized treatments like termite applications or bed bug heat treatments may require several hours. Rodent control involving trapping and exclusion work can take 1 to 2 hours for initial service.

The timeframe for seeing results varies significantly by pest type. For ants and cockroaches, noticeable reduction typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours, with full control achieved in 7 to 14 days. Some delayed-action products require time for pests to carry treatment back to nests. For rodents, trapping results are usually visible within 3 to 7 days. Bed bugs generally require multiple treatments over 4 to 6 weeks for complete elimination. Mosquito treatments provide immediate reduction with maximum effectiveness within 24 hours. Flea control may take 2 to 3 weeks to interrupt the complete life cycle. It is normal to see increased pest activity for the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment as pests are disturbed from hiding places.

South Florida’s warm, humid climate supports year-round pest activity. Common pests in Miami-Dade County include cockroaches (American, German, Oriental, and Asian species), ants (carpenter ants, fire ants, sugar ants, ghost ants, and white-footed ants), termites (subterranean and drywood), mosquitoes (active year-round but particularly problematic March through November), rodents (rats and mice), bed bugs, spiders, and occasional invaders like earwigs, silverfish, and centipedes.

Common signs of termite activity include mud tubes on exterior walls or foundations (these are pencil-width tunnels made of soil that termites use for travel), discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures (swarming termites shed wings after mating flights, typically in spring), wood that sounds hollow when tapped, visible damage to wood structures or furniture, small holes in drywall or wood, frass (termite droppings that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds, typically from drywood termites), sagging floors or ceilings, and doors or windows that suddenly stick or become difficult to open. Both subterranean and drywood termites are common in South Florida.

Seeing ants after treatment is normal for the first 7 to 14 days. Professional ant treatments typically use delayed-action products that allow worker ants to carry the treatment back to the colony and transfer it to other ants including the queen. You may actually see increased ant activity for the first 24 to 48 hours as disturbed ants relocate. The complete colony elimination process takes time because it targets ants at the source rather than just killing visible ants. If ant activity continues or increases after 14 days, contact your pest control provider for a follow-up treatment. Proper sanitation and eliminating food sources is important for long-term ant control.

American cockroaches and German cockroaches require different treatment approaches. American cockroaches are large (1.5 to 2 inches long), reddish-brown, and primarily live outdoors in damp areas like mulch, storm drains, and tree holes. They enter buildings occasionally and are controlled primarily through exterior perimeter treatments. German cockroaches are smaller (0.5 to 0.6 inches long), light brown with two dark stripes behind the head, and are indoor pests. They are often associated with kitchens, bathrooms, and plumbing areas. German cockroaches reproduce very quickly and require interior treatment with gel baits and growth regulators. They are more difficult to eliminate than American cockroaches.

Complete bed bug elimination is achievable with proper treatment methods and customer cooperation. Professional bed bug treatment typically requires 2 to 3 visits spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart to address all life stages including eggs. Treatment methods may include chemical applications, heat treatments, or a combination of both. Success requires thorough preparation including laundering all bedding and clothing in hot water, reducing clutter, vacuuming thoroughly, and following all preparation instructions provided by the pest control company. Bed bug treatments are designed to kill all bed bugs present at the time of treatment, but they do not prevent new bed bugs from being introduced through travel, visitors, or used furniture. Regular inspection and monitoring is recommended, especially for people who travel frequently.

Preparation requirements vary by service type. For exterior perimeter treatments, ensure the technician has clear access around the entire building perimeter, move items away from the foundation (lawn furniture, potted plants, toys, etc.), trim vegetation that touches the structure, and ensure gate access is available. For interior treatments, store food and dishes in cabinets, remove items from under sinks, cover or remove pet food and water bowls, cover fish aquariums and turn off air pumps, clear clutter from areas where pests have been seen, and notify the technician of any health concerns or sensitivities. For bed bug or flea treatments, specific detailed preparation instructions will be provided by the pest control company and must be followed carefully for treatment to be effective.

After treatment, keep children and pets off treated surfaces until completely dry (typically 1 to 2 hours). The minimum recommended time before re-entering treated indoor areas is 2 hours, though some treatments may require longer. Avoid mopping or wiping treated areas for at least 7 days to allow products to work effectively. Do not disturb bait stations or trapping devices that have been placed. Ventilate treated indoor areas by opening windows for 15 to 30 minutes after the recommended re-entry time. Continue good sanitation practices including proper food storage, regular trash removal, and fixing water leaks. Monitor for pest activity and contact your pest control provider if pests persist beyond the expected timeframe for your specific treatment.

Whether you need to be home depends on the type of service being performed. For exterior-only treatments, you typically do not need to be home as long as the technician has access to the property perimeter (gate codes, unlocked gates, etc.). For interior treatments, someone must be present to provide access to the home and interior areas that need treatment. For initial services, it is recommended that someone be home to meet the technician, discuss pest concerns, provide access to problem areas, and receive post-treatment instructions. For recurring services with established customers, many companies allow exterior treatments to proceed without the customer being home if access arrangements have been made.

Pest control sprays typically take 2 to 4 hours to dry completely, though light surface drying may occur within 1 to 2 hours. Drying time depends on several factors including the type of product used, humidity levels, air circulation and ventilation, temperature, and the surface where treatment was applied. Products applied outdoors may be affected by rain if it occurs within a few hours of application. Some granular products used outdoors actually require moisture to activate. The pest control technician will provide specific instructions about re-entry times and when treated areas are safe to touch or walk on.

Important questions to ask include: Are you licensed and insured? (In Florida, pest control operators must be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). What is your experience with my specific pest problem? What treatment methods will you use? Are the products safe for children and pets? How long will the treatment last? What is included in your service guarantee? How much will it cost and what is included in the price? Do you offer free inspections or estimates? How long have you been in business? Can you provide references or reviews from other customers? What preparation is required before treatment? What should I expect during and after treatment? Do you offer ongoing maintenance plans?

Yes. Checking online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau can provide insight into a company’s service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on individual comments. Consider the company’s response to negative reviews, as this shows how they handle problems. Pay attention to reviews that mention specific issues similar to yours. Be aware that very new companies may have limited reviews. Ask the company directly for references or testimonials from previous customers if online reviews are limited.

A pest control guarantee should specify what pests are covered under the guarantee, the time period the guarantee covers (typically 30 days for one-time treatments, or the period between scheduled services for ongoing plans), what the company will do if pests return (free re-treatment, refund, etc.), any conditions or limitations (for example, guarantee may require customer to maintain sanitation standards), whether there is a limit to the number of free re-treatments, and any exclusions. Get the guarantee in writing and read it carefully. Note that some pests or situations may not be covered under standard guarantees due to factors beyond the pest control company’s control.

Florida’s climate creates ideal conditions for pests year-round. High humidity levels promote pest breeding and survival. Warm temperatures mean there is no winter dormancy period for most pests. Frequent rainfall creates standing water for mosquito breeding. The subtropical and tropical climate supports a wide variety of pest species. High moisture content in wood increases termite activity. Dense vegetation around homes provides harborage for pests. The combination of residential development and natural ecosystems brings wildlife into contact with human structures. For these reasons, Florida residents typically require more frequent pest control service compared to regions with distinct cold seasons.

South Florida has multiple termite species. Subterranean termites live in soil and build mud tubes to access wood above ground. They are the most destructive type and require soil treatments or bait systems. Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they infest and do not require soil contact. They are common in South Florida and may require localized treatment or whole-structure fumigation (tenting). Formosan termites are an aggressive subterranean species found in South Florida that build larger colonies and cause damage more quickly than native subterranean termites. All three types are active year-round in South Florida’s climate. Annual termite inspections are recommended for all Florida properties.

Yes, mosquitoes are active year-round in South Florida, though populations peak during warmer, wetter months from March through November. South Florida’s warm temperatures allow mosquitoes to breed continuously without a winter dormancy period. Frequent summer rainfall creates abundant breeding sites in standing water. Mosquitoes in South Florida can transmit diseases including West Nile virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis. Professional mosquito control typically involves treating vegetation where adult mosquitoes rest and treating or eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Monthly treatments are most effective during peak mosquito season.

South Florida has several rodent species that commonly enter homes and buildings. Roof rats (Rattus rattus), also called black rats or fruit rats, are the most common rats found in South Florida homes. They are slender with bodies 6 to 8 inches long, have tails longer than their bodies, large ears, and smooth dark brown or black fur. They are excellent climbers and typically nest in attics, roofs, trees, and upper areas of structures. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), also called brown rats or sewer rats, are stocky ground-dwelling rats with bodies 7 to 9 inches long, shorter tails than their body length, small ears, and coarse brown or gray fur. They are more common in coastal areas and along canals in Florida. They typically burrow in the ground near foundations. House mice (Mus musculus) are small rodents 2.5 to 3.5 inches long with gray or brown fur, large ears, and long tails. They are common throughout Florida and can squeeze through openings as small as a dime (6mm or one-quarter inch).

Common signs of rodent activity include droppings (rat droppings are approximately one-half to three-quarters inch long, mouse droppings are approximately one-eighth inch long and resemble small grains of rice), gnaw marks on food packaging, wires, wood, or structural materials (rats’ teeth grow 4.5 to 5.5 inches per year and they must gnaw constantly to keep them short), rubmarks or grease marks (dark, oily smears along walls, baseboards, and travel paths from contact with rodent fur), runways or paths (smooth, worn trails where rodents repeatedly travel, often along walls), scratching or scurrying noises in walls, attics, or ceilings (especially at night when rodents are most active), nests made of shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or plant material, burrows in the ground near foundations (typically Norway rats), holes or entry points in walls, vents, or foundations, and a musky odor in enclosed areas with heavy infestation. Fresh droppings are dark and moist, while old droppings are dry and gray.

Rodents can enter homes through surprisingly small openings. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime (one-quarter inch or 6mm). Rats need openings only one-half inch in diameter to gain entry. Common entry points include gaps under doors and garage doors, cracks in foundations or exterior walls, openings around utility pipes, cables, or air conditioning lines, vents without proper screening (attic vents, soffit vents, dryer vents), gaps around windows or door frames, holes in roof eaves or soffits, damaged or missing roof shingles, and openings where different building materials meet. Roof rats can also access homes by climbing trees, vines, utility lines, or vegetation that touches the structure. They can jump several feet horizontally and can climb almost any vertical surface.

Rodents can carry and transmit numerous diseases to humans. According to the CDC, rodents can spread over 35 diseases. Diseases can be transmitted directly through rodent bites, contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva, or handling of rodents. Diseases can also be transmitted indirectly through ticks, mites, or fleas that have fed on infected rodents. Diseases associated with rodents include hantavirus (transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings), leptospirosis (transmitted through water or soil contaminated with infected rodent urine), salmonellosis (food poisoning from consuming food contaminated with rodent feces), rat-bite fever, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), and plague. Rodents also contaminate much more food than they consume. Beyond disease transmission, rodent droppings and dander can trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children.

Professional rodent control typically involves multiple steps for effective elimination and prevention. The first step is a thorough inspection to identify the rodent species, locate entry points (may include a smoke test) , find nesting areas, assess the extent of infestation, and identify attractants like food and water sources. The second step is exclusion, which involves sealing entry points with materials rodents cannot gnaw through such as steel wool, metal flashing, or concrete. Common exclusion measures include installing door sweeps, sealing gaps around pipes and cables, repairing damaged screens and vents, and closing foundation cracks. The third step is population reduction using snap traps placed along walls and in areas of high rodent activity, bait stations with rodenticides (placed in tamper-resistant stations away from children and pets), or live traps in some situations. The fourth step involves sanitation recommendations to eliminate food sources, remove clutter that provides harborage, fix water leaks, and proper waste management. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor trap activity, remove dead rodents, check for new entry points, and verify the population is eliminated. Long-term rodent control requires maintaining exclusion measures and addressing conditions that attract rodents.

Traps and bait (rodenticides) are both used in rodent control but work differently. Snap traps kill rodents instantly when triggered and allow for immediate removal of dead rodents. They are safer around children and pets when placed properly, provide confirmation that rodents have been caught, and work best when placed along walls and in areas of rodent activity. For mice, traps should be placed every 2 to 3 feet in active areas. For rats, traps should be spaced 15 to 20 feet apart. Rats exhibit neophobia (fear of new objects) so traps may need to be left unset with bait for several days before setting them. Rodenticides (bait) are poisons that kill rodents after consumption, typically over several days. They must be placed in tamper-resistant bait stations to protect children, pets, and non-target wildlife. First-generation anticoagulants require multiple feedings over several days. Second-generation anticoagulants can be lethal after a single feeding but are restricted for professional use only due to safety concerns. Rodents may die in inaccessible areas like wall voids after consuming bait, potentially causing odor problems. Rodenticides pose risks to pets and wildlife that may eat poisoned rodents (secondary poisoning). Many pest control professionals prefer trapping over baiting when possible due to safety and effectiveness. The choice between methods depends on the severity of infestation, location, and presence of children or pets.

Rodents reproduce at extremely rapid rates, which is why quick action is important when signs of activity are detected. House mice reach sexual maturity at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Females can have 5 to 10 litters per year with 5 to 6 pups per litter. The gestation period is 19 to 21 days. A single female mouse can produce 30 to 60 offspring per year. Roof rats reach sexual maturity at 8 to 12 weeks of age. Females can have 3 to 6 litters per year with 5 to 8 pups per litter. The gestation period is 21 to 23 days. Norway rats reach sexual maturity at 8 to 12 weeks of age. Females can have 4 to 7 litters per year with 6 to 12 pups per litter. The gestation period is 21 to 23 days. A single female Norway rat can produce over 20 offspring per year. This rapid reproduction means that a small rodent problem can quickly become a major infestation if not addressed promptly. Early intervention is critical for effective rodent control.

Rodents enter homes in search of three basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Food sources that attract rodents include improperly stored food in pantries or cabinets, pet food left out overnight, birdseed in feeders or spilled on the ground, fruit trees (especially attractive to roof rats in Florida), garbage and compost, and grease or food residue on counters or floors. Water sources include leaky pipes or faucets, pet water bowls left out, standing water in sinks or tubs, condensation from air conditioning units, and moisture in crawl spaces or basements. Shelter and harborage includes cluttered storage areas (garages, attics, basements), stacked boxes or materials, overgrown vegetation touching the structure, wood piles near the foundation, and undisturbed areas behind appliances or inside cabinets. Preventing rodent problems requires eliminating or reducing these attractants through proper food storage, fixing water leaks, maintaining clean conditions, reducing clutter, and keeping vegetation trimmed away from structures.

The time required to eliminate a rodent infestation varies based on several factors. For small infestations with only a few rodents, control may be achieved within 1 to 2 weeks using traps. For moderate infestations, elimination typically takes 2 to 4 weeks with proper trapping and exclusion. For severe or long-established infestations, complete control may require 4 to 8 weeks or longer with multiple service visits. Factors affecting the timeline include the size of the rodent population, the number and accessibility of entry points, availability of food and water sources inside the structure, cooperation with sanitation and exclusion recommendations, and the rodent species involved (rats are generally more difficult to control than mice). After the active population is eliminated, ongoing prevention is necessary to keep rodents from returning. This includes maintaining exclusion measures, continued monitoring, and addressing any new entry points or attractants. Even after rodents are eliminated, monitoring should continue for several weeks to ensure no new activity develops.

Small, isolated rodent problems may be manageable with DIY methods using snap traps and exclusion. However, professional pest control is recommended in several situations including if you see multiple rodents or find evidence of a breeding population, if you are uncomfortable handling traps or dead rodents, if rodents keep returning after DIY attempts, if you cannot locate or access entry points, if rodents are in wall voids, attics, or other difficult-to-reach areas, if there is structural damage that requires professional repair, or if you have health concerns about disease transmission. Professional pest control technicians have training in rodent behavior and biology, experience identifying and sealing entry points, proper equipment for safe rodenticide application if needed, knowledge of effective trap placement strategies, and ability to access difficult areas like attics and crawl spaces safely. Professional service also typically includes follow-up visits to ensure elimination and a service guarantee if rodents return. For Florida residents, professional help is often recommended because roof rats’ climbing ability makes exclusion more complex, and the year-round warm climate supports continuous rodent activity without seasonal reduction.

Roof rats thrive in South Florida due to several environmental factors. The year-round warm climate with no winter means continuous breeding activity without seasonal population reduction. Abundant fruit trees (citrus, mango, avocado) provide natural food sources. Palm trees provide ideal nesting and harborage sites. Dense vegetation and tropical landscaping offer protection and travel routes. High humidity supports their water needs. The abundance of older structures with accessibility issues makes entry easier. Roof rats are also called “fruit rats” or “palm rats” in Florida because of their association with these features. They are excellent climbers and can access structures by traveling along tree branches, utility lines, fences, or climbing exterior walls. Once they gain access to an attic or roof area, the warm, undisturbed environment provides ideal nesting conditions. Management of roof rats in South Florida requires trimming tree branches away from structures (maintain at least 6 to 8 feet of clearance), regular inspection and sealing of upper-level entry points, removal of fallen fruit from yard, and professional pest control with experience in roof rat behavior and biology.

Rodents can cause extensive damage to homes and structures. Electrical damage includes chewing through wiring which can create fire hazards. According to some estimates, rodents are responsible for a significant percentage of unexplained house fires. Structural damage includes gnawing on wood beams, joists, and framing, creating holes in walls and ceilings for access, and damaging roof materials (shingles, soffits, vents). Insulation damage includes shredding insulation for nesting material, compacting insulation which reduces effectiveness, and contaminating insulation with urine and feces. Plumbing damage includes chewing on plastic pipes and PVC, and damage to irrigation lines and sprinkler systems. HVAC damage includes damage to air ducts and ductwork, nesting in air handlers, and contamination of ventilation systems. Other damage includes destruction of stored items in attics and garages, damage to personal belongings and furniture, contamination of food supplies, and aesthetic damage to landscaping and gardens. The costs of rodent damage can be substantial, often requiring professional repair of electrical systems, structural components, and insulation replacement. In addition to physical damage, rodent infestations decrease property values and can complicate real estate transactions.

Pest control costs vary widely based on several factors. One-time treatments for general pests typically range from $75 to $300 depending on property size and treatment scope. Quarterly service plans (4 treatments per year) often range from $300 to $800 annually for residential properties. Monthly service plans are more expensive but provide more frequent protection. Specialized treatments have different pricing: termite treatments vary significantly based on method (liquid treatment, bait systems, or fumigation), bed bug treatments are typically more expensive due to labor intensity and may cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars, and rodent control costs depend on the extent of the infestation and amount of exclusion work required. Property size, severity of infestation, type of pest, treatment method, and geographic location all affect pricing. Most companies offer free inspections and estimates.

Ongoing pest control service offers several advantages over one-time treatments. Regular treatments provide continuous protection against pests rather than reactive treatment after an infestation occurs. Most ongoing service plans include free re-treatments if pests return between scheduled visits. Early detection of pest problems during routine inspections can prevent major infestations and structural damage. Regular service is typically more cost-effective than multiple one-time treatments. In Florida’s climate where pests are active year-round, preventative ongoing service is generally recommended over waiting for pest problems to develop. The value depends on your location, property type, tolerance for pests, and pest pressure in your area.