FAQ

You may not be able to tell a silverfish from a saw-toothed grain beetle, but one thing's for sure - you can tell where they've been by the damage you see. Our Pest I.D. Guide can help you put a name and a "face" to the pest that's causing you trouble.

Or, if you're still trying to identify your pest management needs and learn more about Orkin's service, the following frequently asked questions will help.

If you still have questions, please call us at 1-800-726-7378 or

I have a bug problem, but I am not sure what the problem is. How can I find out what it is and how to get rid of it?

You have come to the right place. If you can't find the specific insect on the Web site, contact us and we will respond to your question directly. Orkin also offers a comprehensive Pest Identification Guide that may help you identify your pest and provide more information about its habits and biology. You can also contact the Orkin location in your area for help identifying your pest.

For more comprehensive information, you may be interested in our free inspections - a trained Orkin technician will inspect your home, identify the pest and recommend a method of treatment.

Why should I hire a pest management professional when I can do it myself?

Do-it-yourself pest control is certainly an option, at least for homeowners and some businesses, but most homeowners and business owners lack the scientific knowledge and training needed to treat pest problems effectively. An essential component in treating a pest problem effectively is correctly identifying the insect species and developing a course of treatment that takes the insect's biology and habits into account. It is also critical that the treatment materials used are handled properly to ensure effective treatment. A professional pest control operator has the training and expertise to do these things, leading to the most effective solution to your pest problem.

What should I look for in a pest control provider?

While there are many pest management professionals to choose from in Canada, they are not all the same. It is important to do some homework to ensure that the pest control provider you choose can handle your pest problem. Start by asking the following questions:

1. Does the company have a good reputation?
2. Are they knowledgeable about my business and the unique challenges we face regarding pest control?
3. Do they have a thorough training program?
4. Do they guarantee their work?
5. Are they financially sound so they can back up their guarantee?
6. Are they licensed?
7. Are their employees security screened?
8. Are they knowledgeable about the regulatory issues in my business pertaining to pest control, sanitation and related issues?

My current provider has been spraying my facility for a pest problem, but the bugs keep coming back. What's the problem?

Effective pest control involves much more than just applying pesticide. To combat any pest problem it is critical to do a comprehensive inspection to correctly identify the pest, locate harborage areas and to identify possible entry points. All potential pest-entry points should be inspected and sealed if possible. Pesticides should be used only as needed and when targeting a specific pest species. Using pesticides improperly may even cause pest infestations to worsen. For best results, you may want to consult a pest management professional to take advantage of their knowledge and training. Orkin offers free consultations. Schedule one today.

How does Orkin's service differ from pest management programs offered by other companies?

Many companies offer a cookie cutter approach to pest management - applying the same programs to every kind of business or home. Orkin recognizes that every customer's pest control needs are different, and the methods used to exclude or eliminate pests must be customized to each environment.

Orkin uses tailored Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs to help control pests. IPM calls for aggressive sanitation and exclusion before chemical control options are considered. By using technology like traps and surveillance techniques, IPM programs are effective and more environmentally friendly than traditional pest management programs that rely on pesticides only.

How do I know if the materials that a pest control operator is using are not harmful?

First, make sure that any company you hire is reputable, licensed and well trained to ensure that they are knowledgeable and responsible in handling pesticides. Pesticides must be registered by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and can be used responsibly with little or no impact on people, pets or plants if they are used in accordance with labeled directions. If you have specific health concerns, medical conditions or sensitivity, ask your pest control operator for copies of the label that contains information on the active ingredients, level of toxicity and other information that you can discuss with your doctor.

What kind of training and certification do Orkin technicians undergo?

Orkin's Training and Certification program is unmatched in the industry. Each Orkin technician learns to adhere to American Institute of Baking standards and Good Manufacturing Practices. Orkin also offers hands-on training at our Training Center, a one-of-a-kind facility complete with a model home, a termite pavilion and a 13,000 square-foot commercial training center with a model restaurant kitchen, bar, hotel room, grocery store, warehouse, hospital room and more.

If I have a pest problem between my regularly scheduled service call, how quickly will an Orkin technician arrive?

In the event of a pest sighting, we can respond to the problem within 24 hours of your call or faster if your contract requires a faster service call.

How does Orkin guarantee its services?

We're so confident in the effectiveness of our program, we offer a Triple Guarantee unsurpassed in the business.