FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If I only see a few insects should I be concerned?

With certain pests, yes! Red Velvet ants, wasps, black widow spiders and even centipedes can bite or sting. For some, these stings and bites can be life threatening. Fleas, ticks, bedbugs, mice, and others, can also cause disease related health concerns. If you have seen any of these pests, call us for a free termite and pest inspection.
Other pests, such as house crickets, are classified as nuisance pests. They can be overbearing at night, with chirping that may prevent you from sleeping. Since nuisance pests don’t pose any real danger, one or two is not a great cause for concern. Usually home owners are able to manage these nuisance pests themselves.  However, we are happy to help if you need us.

I have been seeing big black ants in & around my house. Can they damage my home?

These are most likely carpenter ants, While not as destructive as termites, they are wood-destroying insects. They will often chew the wood, making hollows in their efforts to establish suitable nesting sites. They are often found in areas of the home structure where there is moisture, as this wood is much easier for them to attack.

Help! I have bed bugs. Can you get rid of them?

Absolutely.  Bedbugs are one of the most difficult pests pest control experts face. The process is more involved, but we have a proven track record in eliminating this pest from Ocean County and Monmouth County homes.  Please call us to discuss your problem and the solution.

Can I take care of my pest problems myself?

In some cases retail products that are available, if used properly, can control pest issues. In other cases a professional pest control operator, who will be in possession of equipment and materials that are not available to the average person, will be better suited to address the your needs.

Inexperienced applications of over-the-counter pest control products can be ineffective and also unsafe for pets, children and adults if used improperly. Also, most pests return unless you take steps to prevent them. In as little as 60 days, new infestations can develop. The only effective way to eliminate and prevent new infestations is to use a reputable pest prevention company with an ongoing service plan, such as our Seasonal Home Protection program.

Is there anything I can use on the ants inside my house before my service technician comes for treatment?

You can use soap and water for ants all over the counter. Other household and over the counter sprays may complicate control, so please ask the technician first before applying any chemical yourself.

Why should I hire a professional when I can try and do it myself?

Pests are a resilient bunch and are adept at hiding and entering a home in places you would never think. A pest management professional will know where to look for pests and make expert recommendations on what it will take to prevent or eliminate pests. Also, a licensed pest professional is the only person who can apply pesticides.

Do you offer any “green” pest control options?

Yes! We offer green and low-toxic options for you to choose from when developing your individual pest management program. The treatment plan of pest control measures designed to reduce or eliminate pests while minimizing customer concerns regarding chemicals may include improvements in sanitation, interior/exterior baiting, harborage reduction, habitat modification, and alternative controls.

What is “IPM”?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of using improved sanitation, exclusion, cultural controls, habitat manipulation, trapping, and targeted pesticide application to control or reduce pest problems. In other words, we use knowledge and common sense to prevent pests, not just pesticides.

Why should I consider Marlboro Pest Control Experts for my pest control needs?

Marlboro Pest Control Experts has been a New Jersy leader in the pest management industry for decades. Here are some reasons to consider Marlboro Pest Control Experts:
·         Immediate response

·         Friendly courteous customer service
·         Free Termite and Pest inspections
·         On-time appointments
·         Guaranteed service
·         Expert professional pest control technicians
·         WDI NJPMA Accredited termite inspectors
·         Locally owned & operated: We know Jersey Shore pests!

Do I need monthly service for my home?

Normally a thorough 3 times a year service (Spring/Summer/Fall) that coincides with peak levels of pest activity is sufficient.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes, all our work comes with a warranty.

How long after the initial treatment does it take to see results?

Results vary according to the type of pest, treatment methods and products used. For example, immediate results can be seen when a yellow-jacket nest is removed or treated with a liquid pesticide. However, when using baits for ants, rodents and termites the process takes longer since the pests have to ingest the product for it to be effective. Your inspector and technician will outline what your expectations for your particular problem should be.

How quickly can you come to my home?

We are typically close by your neighborhood and in constant contact with all our field pest control technicians. Our friendly customer service representatives pride themselves on efficient one-call scheduling to save you time and hassle. In emergency cases we provide same-day service. Whether you live in the Brck, Point Pleasant, Brielle or the surrounding area, we are just a phone call away!

Are your technicians licensed?

All our technicians are licensed and most have achieved higher training and are licensed.  This license requires ongoing continuing education, and a demonstration of knowledge of pest biology, pesticide safety, rules and regulations, and proper sanitation.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail. Your check or cash is always welcome as well!

Do you require a long-term contract?

No. We do not require a long-term contract. We offer one-time services as well as seasonal service plans.

How are pests getting inside my house?

There are often many areas around the exterior of the home that can be a pest attractant or an area conducive to pests. These include vents, windows, eaves, debris around the home, landscaping issues, etc. Before applying treatment, our technicians do an inspection and walk-around of your house to help identify any problem areas.

If my house is sprayed right before it rains will external pest control treatment wash away?

Pesticide applied to eaves, around windows, under patio covers, and many pest harborages will be effective even if it rains.  If pests re-appear , we will be happy to do extra service under our standard guarantee.

Where do you service?

We service all of Ocean County and Monouth County. Call us and see how we can help with all your pest problems!

What is the difference between granules and liquid spray?

A granular form of a pesticide has the active ingredient pre-diluted and impregnated on clay, paper or other sand like particles. Granules can be equally effective to sprays in damp winter conditions for a variety of crawling perimeter pests (ants, earwigs, millipedes, Oriental Cockroaches, etc.).

What’s the difference between spray and bait treatments?

Bait treatments offer consumers peace of mind if they prefer not to have liquid chemicals applied in their home. The severity of the problem, type of pest, & other factors determine the type of treatment implemented.

I have little orange and black ladybugs all over my home. What can I do about them?

These are Asian ladybeetles. They come onto homes in large numbers in the fall as they attempt to find a suitable harborage site to spend the winter, usually on the sunny side of the home. In the spring you may see them inside the home as they start to emerge. An exterior application of residual insecticide when they first come onto the home in the fall will greatly reduce the number that survives the winter.

What can be done for boxelder bugs?

Boxelder bugs are black & red insects that come onto the structure in large numbers in the fall as they attempt to find a suitable harborage site to spend the winter. An exterior application of a residual insecticide in the fall will dramatically reduce the number of insects that will gain access to the structure.

How can I tell the difference between a mole and a gopher in my lawn?

Gophers push mounds off to the side of their burrows. Moles usually follow edges, have volcano shaped mounds, and have shallow foraging tunnels.

How can I tell the difference between an ant and a termite?

Ants and termites can look very similar, and sometimes hard to tell apart. The best way to tell the difference is to have one of our trained pest control experts come to your home to identify the pest.
Here are 3 signs:
·         Ants have elbowed antennas — termite antennas are straight
·         Ants have a pinched waist — termites appear to have no waist
·         Ants’ front 2 wings are longer than the rear 2 and appear to have veins. Termites’ 4 wings are all equal length and appear to be translucent

I have a bug and I don’t know what it is. Can you help me?

Of course! Our technicians can usually identify a bug by asking you a few questions like where you found it, size, color, and general shape. Occasionally we will need an intact specimen to identify the less common bugs.

What are some signs that I have a pest infestation?

The obvious signs of an infestation would be the insects themselves, but sometimes their evidence is more subtle, like insect waste (frass), or cardboard damage. When there are no obvious signs of infestation, accurate inspection and identification requires an experienced pest management professional. Once the inspection is complete, pests have been identified and the infestation severity determined, our pest experts will design a customized pest control plan around your specific needs.

What are the most common household pests in New Jersey?

The New Jersey eco-system yields a wide array of pests that can be a nuisance to homeowners. Some of the most common include various species of ants, termites, yellow-jackets, rodents, and crickets.

Why are these pests in my home?

Pests generally like your home for the same reasons you do; your house provides them with food, water and a safer place to live.

Why do fleas, ticks and bed bugs require more than one treatment to control?

Fleas, ticks and bed bugs are highly mobile and can be carried easily between locations or within an apartment building. Identifying the source of the infestation and taking the proper steps to ensure a re-infestation does not occur can take multiple service visits.

Is a preventative plan necessary?

There is a big difference between pest control and pest prevention. A service plan that includes preventative measures, like ours does, is the only truly effective way to eliminate pests and prevent them from coming back.

Do I have to empty my cupboards before the interior of my house is sprayed or treated?

It depends on the pest and the type of treatment. For German Cockroaches it is necessary to remove all the food and dishes to allow us to get access to every cockroach hiding place we can find.

Is there anything I need to do to my home prior to Pest Control treatment?

Your technician will advise you to remove pet food, water dishes, exposed food items, and children’s toys from areas he needs to treat. If there are active pests indoors, other items may need attention.

Should I shampoo my carpet before or after getting the inside of my house treated for pests?

If you are planning to shampoo the carpet, doing so before treatment will maximize your treatment benefits. Sometimes fleas are so bad that the carpet cleaner will not enter the room until we have sprayed! In that case, a re-application should be scheduled following the carpet cleaning.

How do I keep mice out of my home?

Since mice can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks and are excellent climbers, complete exclusion is often not possible. Obvious openings can be caulked and steel wool can be used to plug visible gaps. Typically an effective control program involves trapping or baiting mice once they have entered the structure. Please do not use “De-con” bait, as this will often lead to dead animal odors and flies, and, frequently, no easy solution to locate or remove the animal.

Can you help get rid of rats or other rodents?

Absolutely. Our technicians have a lot of rodent control experience.

Are your materials safe?

All of our products are registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency and when used according to label directions present no significant health risk. Material Safety Data Sheets for all of our products are available upon request.

Do I have to leave my home when you provide service?

In most situations it’s not necessary to leave your home, but we will ask you to leave the immediate area where our pest technician is working. Utmost care is used in application and choice of pest control products. Our technician may ask you to avoid specific areas until any treated surfaces have had time to dry. Advise your technician of any sensitive persons, pets, or organic gardens requiring extra care. Fish ponds are especially sensitive and care will be taken to avoid any exposure. If it will be necessary for you to be out of your home during a treatment, this will be arranged in advance for your convenience.

Is pest management safe for my family and pets?

The products we use to eliminate pests have been extensively tested and are approved by the U.S. EPA, and are applied by highly-trained, certified professionals. We can also recommend non-chemical treatment options including baits, exclusion and sanitation.

Marlboro Pest Control Experts 1st priority is your safety, as well as being good stewards of the environment. We take the time to develop a customized pest control program and use strategic targeting, which enables us to use the least amount of pest control product while providing superior results. All materials are EPA registered and all technicians are trained in the safe handling and application of all materials.

After treatment, when will it be safe for my children to crawl or play on the floor?

Usually 2-4 hours, or until dry. Your technician will let you know in advance of any precautions required by the label and our safety policy. If you have any questions you can always feel free to call our office.

Is it safe for my pet to go outside after spraying?

Every pesticide requires that pets and people avoid treated surfaces until dry. Once dry, the material will not be easily transferred to paws or human skin.

What if I touch an area that has been sprayed?

You should avoid any treated areas until dry. If you accidentally touch a moist deposit or are otherwise exposed to a diluted pesticide, wash the exposed skin with soap and water. Remember that most of the common materials that we apply have been highly diluted and should not cause any ill effects. Consult the specific pesticide label for any further recommendations. Our service invoice and your technician will have further instructions for the specific products applied.

What type of materials do you use and how toxic are they?

Most of the pesticides we use are classified in “Category III” – the lowest in toxicity. Additionally, many of the materials that we use are natural oils or plant derivatives. Our goal is to expose only pests to pesticides by carefully following all of the manufacturer’s instructions as well as all rules and regulations from our licensing agencies. Even relatively non-toxic materials still require proper safety precautions.

What dangers do pests pose to my family?

Pests can pose a variety of threats to your family or home. Food-borne illnesses like salmonella  and E. Coli are transmitted to food by contact with rodents and cockroaches. Stinging insect, fire ant and bed bug bites can all cause major discomfort or pain, sometimes allergic reactions. Asthmatic allergic reactions to cockroaches are also common. Termites and rodents can also threaten your home’s structural integrity.

How fast can you respond to my call with treatment?

We try our best to meet your needs as quick as we can. Summer months are very busy and more challenging.  Even in our peak months, we can usually be on the way within a day or two, and even sooner for emergencies. Remember, good service providers are often busy, but are worth the wait!

When you come to spray my house how long will it take?

It depends on the type of pest and many other factors. A routine initial service for ants, for example, will often take less than an hour, and still control the problem for several months. Your technician will recommend things you can do to reduce pest pressure around your home. Rodent problems may require several service visits and cultural control measures as well.