The Short Answer
A standard quarterly pest control plan covers common household insects (ants, cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, earwigs, crickets). It does NOT automatically cover termites, rodents, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, or wildlife. These pests require separate, specialized treatments with different products and approaches. Understanding what is and is not included helps you avoid surprises and make informed decisions about your home's protection.
Shaun Judy
CEO & Licensed Operator, Dade Pest Solutions | FDACS License JF293201 | 17+ Years in South Florida Pest Management
One of the most common frustrations I hear from new customers is: "I was paying for pest control, but when I got termites (or rodents, or bed bugs), my company told me it was not covered." This is not a scam. It is a misunderstanding about what standard pest control actually includes.
The pest control industry does a poor job of explaining this upfront. Most companies sell you a "general pest control plan" without clearly defining what "general" means. Then when you call about a specific problem, you find out it requires a separate service at an additional cost. I want to fix that confusion right now by telling you exactly what is and is not included in a standard plan.
What a Standard Quarterly Plan DOES Cover
Our Residential Protection Program (RPP) is a good example of what a comprehensive quarterly plan includes. Here is what is covered:
Pests Covered by Standard Quarterly Service
- Ghost ants
- Fire ants (yard mounds)
- Carpenter ants
- White-footed ants
- American cockroaches (palmetto bugs)
- Asian cockroaches
- Spiders (common species)
- Silverfish
- Earwigs
- Crickets
- Centipedes and millipedes
- Pill bugs (roly-polies)
- Occasional invaders
- Webbing removal (exterior)
The treatment includes exterior perimeter application around the foundation, entry point treatment at doors and windows, interior spot treatments as needed, and de-webbing of exterior eaves and overhangs. This covers the vast majority of common pest complaints in South Florida homes.
What Requires Separate Treatment (And Why)
Termites
Termites require completely different products, equipment, and treatment methods. A standard perimeter spray does nothing to termites because they live underground and enter your home through the soil beneath your foundation. Termite treatment involves either liquid soil injection (Termidor), bait station systems (Sentricon), or tent fumigation (Vikane) for drywood termites. These are specialized treatments that require additional licensing and training.
What to do instead: Our Termite Risk Mitigation Plan provides comprehensive termite protection starting at $1,200 for liquid treatment or $1,500+ for bait station installation.
Rodents (Rats and Mice)
Rodent control requires a fundamentally different approach than insect control. You cannot spray away a rat. Effective rodent management requires identifying entry points (gaps as small as a quarter for rats, a dime for mice), sealing those entry points with exclusion materials, setting traps in strategic locations, and monitoring for activity over time. This is labor-intensive work that goes far beyond what a quarterly spray visit can accomplish.
What to do instead: Our Rodent Defense Audit starts at $600 and includes a complete property inspection, entry point identification, and a Phase 2 corrective action plan.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are unique because they cannot be prevented by perimeter treatments. They are introduced into your home through travel (luggage, hotel rooms), used furniture, visitors, or shared laundry facilities. Once present, they require targeted treatment of specific areas: mattress seams, box springs, headboards, baseboards, and furniture joints. Treatment often requires multiple visits over 2 to 4 weeks.
What to do instead: Our Bed Bug Control program uses a combination of chemical treatment, Aprehend biological product, and steam treatment for comprehensive elimination.
Mosquitoes, Fleas, and Ticks (Outdoor Pests)
These outdoor pests require monthly barrier treatments to vegetation, mulch beds, and shaded areas where they rest during the day. Standard quarterly perimeter spray focuses on the foundation and entry points, not on the yard vegetation where mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks live. Monthly treatment frequency is necessary because outdoor products break down faster due to sun, rain, and irrigation.
What to do instead: Our Perimeter Defense System (PDS) starts at $75/month and provides monthly outdoor barrier treatments specifically targeting mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
German Cockroaches
This surprises many homeowners. German roaches are different from the large American cockroaches (palmetto bugs) that standard plans cover. German roaches live exclusively indoors, reproduce rapidly (a single female can produce 300+ offspring in her lifetime), and require intensive treatment with gel baits, IGR (insect growth regulators), and crack-and-crevice applications. A standard quarterly spray will not eliminate an established German roach population.
What to do instead: Our German Roach Treatment Program is a 3-visit protocol with a 90-day guarantee, specifically designed to eliminate established infestations.
Wildlife (Raccoons, Opossums, Iguanas, Snakes)
Wildlife removal requires specialized trapping, exclusion, and often state permits. Pest control companies that handle insects are not always licensed for wildlife removal. In Florida, many wildlife species are protected and require specific handling procedures mandated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
What to do instead: Contact a licensed wildlife removal specialist. We can provide referrals to trusted wildlife operators in the Miami-Dade area.
Quick Reference: What Is and Is Not Covered
| Pest | Standard Quarterly Plan | Separate Service Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ants (all species) | Covered | No |
| American cockroaches | Covered | No |
| Spiders | Covered | No |
| Silverfish, earwigs, crickets | Covered | No |
| Termites | Not covered | Termite Risk Mitigation Plan |
| Rodents (rats, mice) | Not covered | Rodent Defense Audit |
| Bed bugs | Not covered | Bed Bug Control Program |
| German cockroaches | Not covered | German Roach Treatment |
| Mosquitoes | Not covered | Perimeter Defense System |
| Fleas and ticks | Not covered | Perimeter Defense System |
| Wildlife | Not covered | Wildlife removal specialist |
How to Avoid Surprises with Your Pest Control Plan
Before signing up with any pest control company, ask these questions:
- What specific pests are covered by this plan? Get a written list, not just "general pest control."
- What pests require additional service? Know upfront what will cost extra.
- What happens if I see a covered pest between visits? Most reputable companies offer free re-service between scheduled visits.
- Is there a guarantee? Our RPP includes unlimited free re-service between quarterly visits for any covered pest.
- Are there cancellation fees? At Dade Pest Solutions, there are no contracts and no cancellation fees. You can cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a standard pest control plan cover?
Does pest control cover termites?
Does pest control cover rodents?
Does pest control cover bed bugs?
Does pest control cover mosquitoes?
What should I do about pests not covered by my plan?
Need Help with a Specific Pest?
Whether it is covered by our standard plan or requires specialized treatment, we can help. Call (305) 330-5565 for a free assessment.