Pest Control FAQ for Palm Beach County Homes and Businesses

Sunny South Florida home with royal palms and a St. Augustine lawn, with a service checklist clipboard and tablet on a patio table in the foreground

Here are straight answers to the questions Palm Beach County homeowners, property managers and business owners ask us most. They cover how Q and L Pest Management works, from the complimentary inspection to scheduling, prep, re-service, termites, lawn care and commercial accounts.

Want to learn about the pests themselves, like which termites fly in May or why mosquitoes spike after the rainy season? See our Palm Beach County pest education FAQ. If you don’t see your question here, call (561) 725-5274, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Getting started and the complimentary inspection

How do I get started with Q&L?

Call (561) 725-5274 or request a complimentary inspection online. We start every new customer with an inspection so we can find the pest, the source and the conditions that are attracting it before we recommend anything. Inspect first. Treat smart.

What’s the process for new customers?

It starts with a conversation about what you’re seeing. When it’s needed, we follow up with a thorough inspection to identify the pest and find the source, and we explain what we found in plain language. Then we recommend a treatment plan and answer your questions before any work begins. After treatment, we’ll share recommendations to help prevent future problems, and recurring customers are set up on a regular service schedule.

What should I think about before I call?

A few details help us understand the situation and recommend the right approach from the start:

  • What pest are you seeing?
  • When did you first notice it?
  • Where is it most active?
  • Is it a one-time issue or an ongoing problem?
  • Are there children, pets or anything else we should plan around?
  • Are you looking for a one-time treatment or year-round service?

What happens during the complimentary inspection?

A licensed technician walks the property inside and out, looks for pest activity, entry points, moisture and other conducive conditions, and identifies what you’re dealing with. Then we explain what we found and your options in plain language, so you can decide what’s best for your home or business.

Is there any obligation after the inspection?

No. The inspection is complimentary and you’re under no obligation to sign up for service. We’d rather you understand the problem and make an informed decision.

Can you tell me the price over the phone?

We can share base pricing for common services over the phone. The final recommendation and price are confirmed after we inspect, because the right treatment depends on the pest, the size of the property and what we find on site.

What services does Q&L offer?

We offer general household pest control for ants, cockroaches, spiders, wasps, silverfish and the other insects that get into homes and businesses, plus termite control and wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections, rodent control and exclusion, bed bug heat treatment, mosquito control, tent fumigation, bee colony treatment, whitefly treatment and landscape care. For iguanas, raccoons, opossums and other wildlife, call us and we’ll coordinate the right solution. See residential pest control, commercial pest control or our HOA, property and facility management services.

Do you serve homes and businesses?

Yes. We serve single-family homes, condos, townhomes and rentals through our residential services, and restaurants, offices, retail, warehouses, healthcare offices, schools and hotels through our commercial services. HOAs, COAs, property managers and facility managers can start with our B2B page.

Back to top

Scheduling, visits and what to expect

Will you show up without notice?

No. We promise not to show up at your door unannounced. All appointments for regular customers are scheduled the day before.

How will I know when you’re coming?

Appointments are set for a specific time unless we let you know otherwise. You’ll get a reminder when you book and another the day before your visit. If you book a same-day visit, you’ll just get the booking reminder.

How long does a typical service visit take?

It depends on the property and the service. A routine exterior service on a home is shorter than an initial service, a termite treatment or a commercial account with several buildings. Your technician can give you a better idea after the first visit.

What does a regular service visit include?

Most visits focus on the exterior, where pests start: we inspect, treat the perimeter and entry points, and knock down webs and wasp nests within reach. We treat inside only when it’s needed. That’s the integrated pest management approach we use on every property.

How often will you come out?

We offer monthly, every-other-month and quarterly service plans, as well as one-time services. The right schedule depends on the pest, the property and the level of activity, and we’ll recommend one after the inspection.

Will the same technician come every time?

Our technicians are assigned by area, so your service is handled by local technicians who know your neighborhood and the pests that are common there. That means it may not always be the same person, but it will be someone familiar with properties like yours.

Back to top

Preparing your home or business

How should I prepare for a general pest service?

For most exterior services, just make sure we can reach the yard, gates are unlocked and pets are inside. For interior work, clear the areas under sinks and along baseboards where we’ll be working, and put away food, dishes and pet bowls. Your technician will tell you anything specific to your treatment.

Do I need to leave the house during treatment?

For general pest control, most people don’t need to leave the house. Your technician will explain any precautions for the product being used, such as staying off treated areas until they dry. Tent fumigation is different: everyone, including pets, must be out of the structure. See the fumigation questions below.

Should I clean before or after a treatment?

Clean before, not right after. Wiping or mopping treated baseboards, cracks and crevices can remove the product before it works. Keep cleaning counters and dishes as usual, and ask your technician which areas to leave alone and for how long.

How do I prepare for a cockroach treatment?

Reducing clutter and crumbs makes a big difference, especially with German cockroaches. Empty the cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, store food in sealed containers, fix leaks and take out the trash. See our cockroach control page and our guide to palmetto bugs in the house.

How do I prepare for a bed bug treatment?

Don’t move furniture or bedding to other rooms first, because that can spread bed bugs. Call us before you start cleaning so your technician can inspect and give you a prep list for your situation. Learn more on our bed bug control page and read our bed bug travel tips.

How do I prepare a business for service?

Let your staff know when we’re coming, give us access to kitchens, storage, loading docks and back rooms, and keep a list of where people have seen activity. We can schedule service to fit your operating hours. See our restaurant pest prevention checklist and our pre-season walkthrough for commercial properties.

Back to top

Pets, kids and product precautions

Is your pest control pet and kid friendly?

We use reduced-risk products and review every product before it’s used in the field. We apply them according to the label and state regulations, and your technician will explain any precautions for your family and pets. Learn more about our pet and kid friendly pest control.

How long should pets and kids stay off treated areas?

Follow your technician’s instructions for the product used. For most liquid treatments, that means keeping people and pets off treated surfaces until they’re dry. Ask us at the visit if you’re not sure.

What should I do with pet food, water bowls and toys?

Bring bowls, toys and pet bedding inside or put them away before an interior or exterior treatment, and keep pets inside or away from the area while we work. Your technician will let you know when it’s fine to put them back.

What about fish tanks, birds and reptiles?

Tell us about any aquariums, birds, reptiles or other sensitive pets before the visit. We may ask you to cover tanks or turn off air pumps during the treatment, and we’ll adjust where and how we treat.

Can you help with fleas and ticks?

Yes. We treat the yard and the home for fleas and ticks. For the best results, have your pets treated by your veterinarian at the same time, because fleas and ticks live on pets as well as in the yard and home.

Can you tell me which products you use?

Yes. Ask your technician what product is being used and why. You can also ask us for the product label or safety data sheet before or after the visit.

Back to top

Re-service and callback policy

Why am I seeing more bugs right after the treatment?

It can happen. Some treatments flush pests out of wall voids and hiding spots, so you may see more of them, often slow or dying, for a short time. That usually means the treatment is reaching them. If activity doesn’t drop off, call us.

What can I do to help the treatment work?

Fix leaks, store food in sealed containers, take out the trash regularly, trim plants and limbs away from the house, and don’t clean treated areas right away. Your technician will point out any conducive conditions we find, because fixing them helps the treatment last.

Back to top

Service reports and communication

Will the technician explain what they did?

Yes. Our technicians explain what they found and what they did in plain language, and answer your questions. If you aren’t home, we’ll leave notes on anything you should know.

What are “conducive conditions”?

They’re things around a property that attract pests or help them survive, such as leaks, standing water, wood touching soil, mulch piled against the foundation, plants touching the walls, or palm fronds and tree limbs touching the roof. We note them so you can fix them, which often matters as much as the treatment.

How do I update my contact info, gate code or access instructions?

Call the office at (561) 725-5274 during office hours. Up-to-date gate codes, lockbox details and pet notes help us finish your service on schedule.

Back to top

Plans, contracts and billing

Why don’t you list prices online?

Every property is different. The pest, the size of the home or building, the landscape and the level of activity all change what’s needed. After the complimentary inspection, we’ll give you a clear written recommendation, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

How does pricing work?

We keep pricing honest and transparent, with no hidden fees. Every property is different, so pricing is based on factors like the size of the property, the type of pest and the level of treatment needed. You’ll get a clear, upfront estimate before any work begins. Whether you need a one-time treatment or a recurring service plan, we’ll recommend what your property needs, not services you don’t.

When am I billed?

You’re billed when your service is completed. For residential customers, payment is due when you receive your invoice. Commercial accounts can have payment terms of up to net 30, depending on the service agreement.

Can I add services later, like lawn care or mosquito control?

Yes. Many customers start with general pest control and add lawn and ornamental care, mosquito control or termite protection later. Just call and ask.

Does homeowners insurance cover termite or pest damage?

Many homeowners policies exclude damage from termites and other pests, so read your policy or ask your insurance agent. Preventive service and regular inspections are usually the best protection.

Do you offer service for rentals and landlords?

Yes. We work with landlords and rental owners. For multiple units or buildings, see our multifamily and apartment pest control and property management pest control pages.

Back to top

Termites, WDO inspections and tent fumigation

What kinds of termites do we have in Palm Beach County?

South Florida has drywood termites, which live inside the wood they eat, and subterranean termites, including the invasive Formosan and Asian subterranean termites, which nest in soil and build mud tubes. They need different treatments. Read drywood vs. subterranean termites and the termite section of our pest education FAQ.

What are the signs of termites?

Common signs include swarms of winged insects or piles of shed wings near windows and lights, small piles of tiny pellets under wood, mud tubes on foundations or walls, and wood that sounds hollow. See termite signs in Palm Beach County.

I found a swarm of winged insects. What should I do?

Don’t spray them all away. Save a few insects or wings in a sealed bag or jar, take a photo, note where you found them and call (561) 725-5274. Swarmers can be termites or flying ants, and identifying them is the first step.

What termite treatments do you offer?

Options include tent fumigation for widespread drywood termites, localized treatments for limited drywood activity, liquid soil treatments and bait systems for subterranean termites. Which one fits depends on the species and how widespread the activity is. See our termite control page.

When is tent fumigation needed?

Fumigation is usually recommended when drywood termites are widespread or hidden in places a localized treatment can’t reach. It treats the whole structure at once. Learn more about residential tent fumigation and commercial fumigation.

My neighbor is tenting for termites. Should I worry?

Not necessarily, but it’s a good time to have your own home checked, especially in neighborhoods with older homes. Read what to do when your neighbor is tented for termites.

Do you do WDO inspections for home sales?

Yes. We perform wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections for buyers, sellers, realtors and lenders. In Florida, these are reported on the state’s official Wood-Destroying Organisms Inspection Report (FDACS Form 13645). See WDO inspections for home sales.

Back to top

Lawn and ornamental care

What does your lawn and ornamental program cover?

Our lawn and ornamental program covers fertilization, insect control, fungus control, weed control and palm treatments for South Florida lawns and landscapes. Commercial and community grounds are covered on our commercial lawn and ornamental page.

Do I need to do anything before a lawn treatment?

Usually not much. Unlock gates, bring pets inside, and pick up pet droppings, toys, hoses and furniture from the lawn. Your technician will tell you if there’s anything specific about watering or mowing for that visit.

Should I water after a lawn treatment?

Follow the instructions your technician leaves after each visit, because some products need to be watered in and others need to dry on the grass first. For your regular watering and mowing schedule, seasonal adjustments and recommendations for your turf type and conditions, we coordinate with your landscape professional and defer to their guidance.

What are the brown patches in my St. Augustine lawn?

In South Florida, common causes include chinch bugs, sod webworms, fungus and drought stress. Chinch bug damage usually starts in sunny, dry spots near driveways and sidewalks. Read chinch bugs vs. sod webworms and see lawn and ornamental pests.

Can you treat whitefly on my hedges and palms?

Yes. Whitefly treatment is part of our Lawn, Shrub & Tree program. Whiteflies, including the ficus and rugose spiraling whiteflies, attack hedges, palms and many other plants in South Florida. See ficus whitefly treatment and our whitefly page.

I just put in new sod. What should I know?

New sod needs the right watering and care to root well, and it can bring in pests. Read our new St. Augustine lawn care tips.

Back to top

Mosquitoes, rodents and other common problems

Can you get rid of all the mosquitoes in my yard?

No one can eliminate every mosquito, because they fly in from neighboring properties and wetlands. Our mosquito control treats the shady, damp spots where mosquitoes rest and points out standing water where they breed, which reduces the number of mosquitoes in your yard. See mosquitoes after the rainy season.

What can I do to reduce mosquitoes between visits?

Dump standing water at least once a week, including plant saucers, buckets, gutters, tarps and toys. Flush bromeliads, which hold water in their leaves. Palm Beach County Mosquito Control recommends flushing them every 3 to 4 days.

I hear noises in my attic. Is it rats?

It could be roof rats, squirrels or other wildlife. Read roof rats vs. squirrels in the attic and see our rodent control page. If it turns out to be wildlife, we’ll coordinate the right solution.

How do you handle rodents?

We inspect for entry points and activity, use traps or bait stations where they’re appropriate, and recommend sealing and exclusion work so rodents can’t get back in. Trimming palm fronds and tree limbs away from the roof helps too.

What kinds of ants do you treat?

We treat the ants Palm Beach County homes and businesses deal with most, including ghost ants, white-footed ants, big-headed ants, carpenter ants and fire ants. Read ghost ants vs. big-headed ants and see ant control.

Do you treat bees?

Yes. We treat bee colonies at homes and businesses across Palm Beach County and Broward County. We don’t physically remove hives or comb, but we can refer you to a qualified professional for hive removal. Keep people and pets away from the bees, don’t try to spray or seal them in yourself, and call us. See bee removal and bee colony treatment.

Do you treat spiders and wasps?

Yes. Spiders and wasps are part of our general household pest control. We knock down webs, treat the spots where spiders hide and remove wasp nests within reach around eaves, lanais, doors and play areas. For honey bees, see bee colony treatment. Our pest library has more on spiders and bees and wasps.

Do you handle iguanas, raccoons and other wildlife?

Yes, call us. Whether it’s an iguana, a raccoon, an opossum or something in the attic, we’ll find out what’s going on and coordinate the right solution for your property. Call (561) 725-5274.

Back to top

Commercial, HOA and COA properties

How is commercial pest control different from residential?

Commercial accounts often have inspection requirements, multiple buildings, sensitive areas like kitchens, and staff and customers to work around. We plan service around your operating hours and keep written service reports for your records. See commercial pest control and the benefits of commercial pest control.

Do you provide written service reports for commercial accounts?

Yes. Commercial, HOA and COA accounts get a written service report after each visit that documents what was inspected, what was found, what was treated and any recommendations. Managers can keep them for inspections, board meetings and records.

Can you work with our work orders and resident complaints?

Yes. Property and community managers can submit work orders through their own work order platform or send them to us by email, and we’ll document what we found and did at each unit or area. See HOA and condo association pest control and our HOA, condo and commercial guide.

Do you service common areas and individual units?

Yes. We can service common areas, building exteriors, grounds and individual units on a schedule that works for the community. See multifamily pest control and facility management pest control.

Are you discreet?

Yes. Our licensed technicians work discreetly to protect your business’s reputation and avoid disrupting customers, guests, patients or residents.

Which types of businesses do you serve?

We serve restaurants, offices and retail, warehouses, healthcare offices, schools and daycares, hotels, and HOAs, condo associations and managed properties through our B2B services.

Back to top

Licensing, insurance and choosing a company

Is Q&L licensed?

Yes. Q and L Pest Management is licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), business license JB333443. Our Certified Operator is John Park, FDACS certification JF320165. We’re certified in all four major Florida pest control categories: general household pest, termite and other wood-destroying organisms, lawn and ornamental, and fumigation.

What training do your technicians have?

Q and L Pest Management holds FDACS pest control business license JB333443, and our services are performed under our Certified Operator, John Park (FDACS certification JF320165). Our technicians are trained in current pest management methods and follow University of Florida IFAS (UF/IFAS) best practices, and we keep up with Florida regulations, treatment methods and new products through continuing education and ongoing training.

How can I check a pest control company’s license?

FDACS licenses pest control businesses and certifies operators in Florida, and you can look up a license through the state. Ask any technician to show the ID card they’re required to carry. FDACS explains how on its page How do I know if a pest control company is licensed?

Are you a local company?

Yes. Q&L is family-owned and operated since 2022 and based in Lantana, serving Palm Beach County and Broward County. Learn more about us.

What should I ask when choosing a pest control company?

Look for a company that communicates clearly, does a thorough inspection, explains the treatment plan and focuses on long-term prevention rather than quick fixes. Verify the license, read customer reviews, ask who will do the work, ask for a written diagnosis and recommendation, and for termite work get a written contract before treatment. Read our guide on how to choose the right pest control company.

What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

IPM means finding the cause and using the right mix of inspection, exclusion, sanitation advice and targeted treatment, instead of spraying everything. That lets us get results with fewer products. Read how professional pest control works.

Back to top

Weather, rainy season and hurricanes

Will rain wash away the treatment?

Products are applied according to the label, including timing around rain. Once a treatment has dried, it’s generally much less likely to wash away. If a heavy storm hits soon after a service and you’re seeing activity, call us.

Why do I see more pests during the rainy season?

The National Weather Service marks South Florida’s rainy season as May 15 to October 15, when most of the year’s rain falls. Standing water breeds mosquitoes, and heavy rain and flooding push ants, cockroaches, spiders and rodents into buildings looking for dry ground. See the seasonal pest calendar.

What pest problems should I expect after a hurricane?

UF/IFAS warns that storms bring standing water that breeds mosquitoes, floating fire ant rafts in flooded areas, rodents and insects moving indoors, flies around storm trash, and water-damaged wood that subterranean termites target. Seal storm damage quickly and keep children and pets away from floodwater.

Is service paused during a hurricane watch or warning?

When a storm is approaching, we may pause or reschedule visits. If your appointment needs to change, we’ll contact you by text, email and phone to reschedule, and we’ll get your service back on schedule once conditions allow.

Should I treat for termites after storm damage?

Have water-damaged wood dried out or repaired quickly, because moisture attracts subterranean termites. If you see mud tubes, swarmers or damaged wood after a storm, schedule an inspection.

Back to top

Snowbirds and seasonal residents

What should I check when I get back to Florida?

Look for droppings, gnaw marks, ant trails, roach activity, termite wings or pellets, and damp spots under sinks. Read our snowbird home return pest checklist.

Can you work with my property manager or house watcher?

Yes. Let us know who to contact and how to reach them, and we’ll coordinate access and share what we found.

Back to top

Service area

What areas do you serve?

We serve Palm Beach County, our primary service area, and Broward County. Local pages include Lantana, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington. See our full list of service areas.

Where are you based?

Q and L Pest Management is based in Lantana, in central Palm Beach County.

Do you serve barrier island and Intracoastal properties?

Yes. We serve coastal homes and condo buildings in our service area. Salt air, marinas and older construction near the water come with their own pest patterns, which we cover in our Palm Beach County pest geography section.

Back to top

Still have questions?

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Call (561) 725-5274 to Speak With a Representative.