Insect and rodent pests remain a significant issue for many property owners in Virginia, even as the seasons change. Connor’s Pest Pros goes over common pests and why professional interventions are often necessary to prevent costly damage.
The U.S. pest control industry has grown significantly in the last five years, with analysts estimating that it generated $17.4 billion in revenue in 2023 alone. Experts say that this trend reflects changes in pest activity, as well as how consumers approach infestations.
While ants and spiders are generally an unwelcome sight in properties, specialists at Connor’s Pest Pros state that the more worrying threats are termites, which may not be noticed until it’s too late - one of the primary reasons infestations result in over $5 billion in property damage each year in North America, according to ConsumerAffairs. Mosquitoes and ticks also rank among the most dangerous of pest species due to the diseases they harbor, and their presence often warrants timely professional interventions to ensure public safety.
Pests are widespread in all parts of Virginia, where humid summers often cause insect and rodent populations to spike. The resulting heightened pest activity can bleed into the fall and winter months as species invade homes for shelter and food. While some species, such as ants and spiders, are typically considered a nuisance, other species, including termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and rodents, can expose building occupants to severe illnesses or cause extensive property damage if allowed to multiply unchecked.
Homeowners and business owners may prefer DIY methods for instant relief and cost savings. However, because many pest species are challenging to eradicate, experts warn against DIY pest removal - attempting to resolve an infestation without proper training may expose the individual to risk of personal injury, disease, or harsh chemicals; DIY methods are also typically insufficient for severe outbreaks, resulting in money wasted for the customer.
Instead, professional intervention is often necessary for emergency pest situations, especially for termites, bed bugs, rodents, and wildlife, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate and require specialized equipment and expertise for safe and complete removal. In Virginia, it’s also illegal to trap and relocate wild animals without a license, and individuals who are caught doing so are subject to fines.
Many pest removal companies in Virginia, including Connor’s Pest Pros, now offer emergency pest removal services to provide rapid relief for urgent infestations. In most cases, appointments can be scheduled within the same day or the next day, as long as the customer calls within a certain time. Some companies also enable online booking to simplify the entire process.
Professional extermination work usually starts with a full property inspection, and most companies offer these for free. During this step, exterminators will use tools like thermal imaging to detect pest activity and determine the appropriate course of action.
After identifying the species, any nesting sites, and other attractants, the exterminator will seal entrances to prevent additional infestations and set strategically positioned traps and bait stations to eliminate active pests in the home; for more severe cases, fumigation and heat treatments may be recommended instead.
Some local companies, like Connor’s Pest Pros, also offer customizable pest removal services, allowing customers to request alternative, eco-friendly treatments. These are especially suitable for households with young children and pets.
