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We are proud to serve the following towns in Massachusetts: Grafton, Northbridge, Douglas, Webster, Abington, Raynham, Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, Framingham, Marlborough, Hopkinton, Natick, Sherborn, Holliston, Millis, Franklin, Bellingham, Plainville, Foxboro, Mansfield, Attleboro, Norton, Easton, Brockton, Avon, Stoughton, Canton, Randolph, Holbrook, Braintree, Medfield, Dover, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Milton, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Cambridge, Belmont, Sudbury, Braintree, Rehoboth, Blackstone, Hopedale, Mendon, Upton, Westborough, Southborough, Medway

1-888-8-BUG-OFF (828-4633)

Q & A's...

How do I know if I need extermination? Top...
The answer to this question is pretty simple. If you see just a few ants or just one mouse, those few ants or one mouse have a whole bunch of buddies lurking where you can't see them. If you have even a slightly visible problem then you have a problem. Left untreated, you could have a crisis.

I have a whole bunch of pests and a lot of them. Do you have a solution?
Yes, we offer many different services to accommodate the slightest of problems to the worst problems. We treat for all ants, insects, bees, rodents, mosquitoes and termites.

How long do I have to leave the premises?
Each situation can vary depending upon your situations. Usually the time frame is 2-3 hours which allows our Pest Management Professional time to apply the materials and time for it to dry and dissipate.

What happens when I enter back to my home? Is it safe?
Once you have vacated your home for the recommended time, it is safe for you to re-enter your home with no worries.

What about pets and children? Top...
Children need to leave during the treatment and may return 2-3 hours after completion. We ask that during treatments, you either put your pets in a room that is not being treated or remove them from the structure until the materials we have used are dry. Fish tanks need to be covered.

Why are pesticides used?
Pesticides (the generic term for insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) control weeds, insect pests and fungal and other diseases. The benefit of pesticides lies in their ability to manage a pest (weed, insect or disease) problem that potentially could become out of control and could endanger your health or the health of your family, pets and plants, or threaten the quality of your home, lawn, school or business.

Who are Pest Management Professionals (PMP’s)?
Professional Management Professionals (applicators) are people trained and licensed to apply or direct the application of pesticides as part of their job. PMP’s are those who apply pesticides to property other than their own.

What type of license or certification is required to apply pesticides? Top...
There are two types of pesticides: general use pesticides and restricted use pesticides.

General use pesticides are those purchased by the public in garden centers and retail outlets, which can be applied by homeowners without special training, just by following directions on the product label. General use pesticides are also applied by professional applicators, although professionals may have a greater choice of products or quantities from which to choose and more sophisticated application equipment.

Restricted use pesticides can be applied only by certified applicators or individuals operating under the supervision of certified applicators. To become certified, professional applicators must demonstrate, through testing, practical knowledge of pests related to the category of certification for which the individual is applying. These minimum standards for certification are established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and each state’s lead agency for pesticides is responsible for enforcement. A state may establish more stringent requirements for certification, according to needs within that particular state. Generally, it is the Cooperative Extension Service that is responsible for training and testing pesticide applicators. Training classes are usually offered in individual counties throughout a state. Certified applicators must also renew their training regularly by attending approved continuing education programs.

How safe are the pesticides used by professionals? Top...
If pesticides are handled and applied with care according to label directions, they do not represent an unreasonable risk to people, non-target organisms or the environment. Each pesticide has met the safety testing standards set by EPA.

How can an insecticide control insects and not be harmful to people and pets?
It is a well-established medical and scientific principle that the amount of a substance used determines whether it is harmful. With pesticides, the amount of product needed to control insects is many orders of magnitude lower than an amount that would affect mammals, such as humans and pets. Remember, exposure alone does not equal risk or harm.

Do pesticides cause cancer in people exposed to low doses of pesticides over a period of time?
No. As used, pesticides do not cause cancer. Before a pesticide product can be registered and marketed, it must first be evaluated as to its potential risks, including any risk of causing cancer. Only products determined by EPA to have met the Agency’s rigid testing requirements can be registered by the EPA. There is no specialty pesticide on the market known to cause cancer in humans. The American Medical Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs states that there is only conjectural evidence at best that pesticides may be carcinogenic. Dr. Bruce Ames, University of California at Berkeley, states, “There is no convincing evidence from either epidemiology or toxicology that pesticides are of interest as causes of human cancer.”

Who regulates pesticides and their uses? Top...
EPA is the primary pesticide regulatory agency. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), all products that contain pesticides must be registered with EPA before they can be lawfully sold or distributed. EPA registration means that pesticide registrants have submitted required scientific research data concerning the risks associated with the use of the pesticide that EPA has reviewed the data and that EPA finds the data acceptable. In fact, it is illegal for EPA to grant registration to any pesticide product until the Agency is satisfied, by scientific data, that the product can be used safely. Before EPA approves the use of a pesticide product, it must make a finding, based on sufficient scientific data, that the product can be used safely according to the proposed use instructions. Any new information that comes to light subsequently on possible or actual adverse effects of the product, whether to health or the environment, must be reported promptly to EPA. Furthermore, EPA must reevaluate the safety finding each time a new use is approved or a change is made to the use instructions for the product.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and how does it work? Top...
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a continuous system of controlling pests (weeds, diseases, insects or others) in which pests are identified, action thresholds are considered, all possible control options are evaluated and selected control(s) are implemented. Control options—which include biological, chemical, cultural, manual and mechanical methods—are used to prevent or remedy unacceptable pest activity or damage. Choice of control option(s) is based on effectiveness, environmental impact, site characteristics, worker/public health and safety, and economics. The goal of an IPM system is to manage pests and the environment to balance benefits of control, costs, public health and environmental quality. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options.
IPM systems rely on accurate determination of optimum control timing and selection of appropriate method(s). Implementation requires current comprehensive information on pests and control options. As a system, IPM programs include a series of three steps:

Monitor the site for presence of pest. Critical components of monitoring include accurately identifying the pest, the presence of the pest, level of infestation and acquiring knowledge of requirements and life cycles of the pest.
Determine the action threshold below which the pest can be tolerated. Action thresholds are determined by factors such as severity of the problem caused by the pest, health or property concerns related to the pest, and user needs for the site where the pest is found.
Initiate preventive or curative action to avoid surpassing the established threshold by selecting the appropriate control method(s): biological, chemical, cultural, manual, and mechanical. The selected method(s) of protection must balance considerations of economics, efficacy, worker/public health and safety, and potential hazards to property and the environment. Following applications, the continuous IPM process begins again. We at D&T implement IPM into all of our work.

How can I tell if I have a termite infestation and what are the signs of damage associated with termites? Top...
Termites feed on cellulose in wood and paper products such as books, cardboard, and various other items. Termite damage in homes is usually not obvious until significant damage has occurred. Sometimes homeowners first notice termites when they swarm. Swarmers are "winged reproductive’s" that leave the colony in a swarm to mate, reproduce, and start new colonies. Yet, it's the worker termites - small, creamy white insects that are seldom seen -- that are the most numerous and the cause most of all the termite damage. There are many species of termites that can infest homes under a variety of conditions.
Subterranean termites, the most common type, build nests in the ground and often construct mud tubes on structures. They use the mud tubes as passageways to explore for food and travel to and from the soil. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, you should have your home thoroughly inspected by a termite specialist. Professional termite inspectors are trained to locate specific areas in your home where a termite attack is most likely to occur. If termites are found, the specialist can design a treatment plan to control current infestations and to protect your home from future infestations.

Can you tell me which method of termite control – bait treatment or soil treatment is most effective?
Help! My house is infested with termites. I've had three pest companies visit and now I'm confused. One suggested a bait treatment; one suggested soil treatment, and yet another suggested wood treatment. Can you tell me which method is most effective?
We at D & T Pest and Termite Control, Inc. only utilize Termidor.

Better Than Bait …. Without the Wait

Baits can take from many months to several years to control a colony. That is because many bait systems work by “recruitment,” in which termites must first discover a bait station and then recruit sufficient colony members to it as well. Only then is the termite control product added to the stations. Plus, there is no guarantee that termites heading for or already in your home will find the bait stations at all. Termidor starts working immediately and is the most effective and fastest at completely eliminating termite populations. Termidor has a 100% success rate to rid the colony within 3 months or less.

How can I make my home less susceptible to termites? Top...
I don't have a termite problem in my house now and I want to make sure I don't get one in the future. What can I do to make my home less susceptible to termites?

There are several things you can do to help make your home less susceptible to termites:

Look for excessive moisture in and around your home especially in basements and crawl spaces. Termites require moisture to successfully live and breed in structures. Reducing moisture problems in and around your home will decrease the likelihood of termite attack. Repair leaking pipes, water lines and fixtures that may wet any wooden parts of your home.
Stack firewood, lumber and other wooden items several feet away from your home and plant flowerbeds and other frequently watered ornamentals as far away from the perimeter of your house as possible.
Ideally, wood-containing mulches should be placed at least one foot away from the foundation of your home. Wood used in decks and porches should be pressure treated.
Outdoor lights with white bulbs may attract night swarming termites, especially in the spring. Try replacing white bulbs with yellow or pale amber.

I have found termites in the basement of my house and would like to try to get rid of them myself. Can you recommend any products I can use or any procedures that I can follow to get these bugs out of my home? Top...
To handle your own termite problem you must first know the type of termites you have in your home. After considering the type of home you have and any additional structural features inside and outside of your home, you must determine what type of control is needed and what conducive conditions must be corrected. Today a wide variety of over-the-counter termite control products are available. There are chemical and biological treatments that contain stomach poisons, growth regulators, and quick-kill formulations. However, while it's easy to find and purchase these treatments, knowing how to use them effectively and safely is not quite as easy. All homes and properties are unique. Homes are constructed out of a variety of materials and the land that these homes are built on may have different soil types, slopes, and water drainage systems.
Without adequate training to correctly identify the type of termites you have and the extent of the infestation, as well as knowledge on how to eliminate favorable conditions and select correct treatment options, trying to do the job yourself may be a costly mistake. Professional termite inspectors are experienced in determining the type of termite problem you have and are knowledgeable about the best treatment strategy to get rid of the termites in your home. If treatments are mixed, applied, and monitored incorrectly, you will not have controlled your termite problem and may have compromised your own and your family's environment and safety. We strongly recommend that any termite problem be treated by a licensed professional.

How long does a typical subterranean termite treatment, applied by a professional pest management company, maintain its effectiveness? Top...
There are many factors that can affect the longevity of the various termite treatments applied today including the type of treatment performed, environmental conditions, type and pH of your soil, or physical disruption of the treatment site. Ideally, treatments can last for several years. Some treatments and infested areas must be monitored regularly to make sure active infestations are being effectively controlled. Soil and wood treatments may be disrupted if the treated soil or wood has been displaced through construction, gardening or otherwise. In this case, these areas may need to be retreated.

Around springtime each year, I find ants in my home, especially in the kitchen. I have used a spray that I buy at the grocery store, but it's only good for about a week. The ants just keep coming back. What can I do to keep the ants from returning?
Spraying many over-the-counter pesticides will only kill ants present at the time you sprayed. Most ants live in colonies and only a small fraction of them leave the colony at any one time to search for and bring back food. If the main colony is not found, eliminated or prevented from gaining access to you home, the ants are likely to return again and again. There are many types of ants that regularly invade homes and other structures and accurately identifying them is often necessary for successful control. A pest management professional can locate where the ants may be coming in or nesting, identify infesting species, monitor their activity, and apply treatment if necessary.

I have so many mosquitoes outside of my house that I no longer like doing anything outdoors. The mosquitoes often get inside as well. Is there anything I can do to keep them out of my home and reduce their populations outside? Top...
Mosquitoes are likely getting into your home through open doors and windows. Make sure that any windows and doors are screened and that the screens fit well, with no holes or gaps in or around them. Reducing mosquito populations that may be breeding on your property may also reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes getting indoors. Make sure that your gutters are cleaned regularly and are not collecting water. Also, make sure containers like flowerpots, old tires, birdbaths etc. are not holding standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Different types of mosquitoes have unique behaviors and can be active at different times of the day. We at D & T Pest and Termite Control, Inc. offer a monthly treatment for the control of Mosquitoes. Our current customers “rave” that their mosquito population has decreased by 80-95%. What a difference that can make to a backyard game of baseball, a midnight swim or a nice barbeque dinner with friends.

I have a problem with fruit flies in my kitchen. What can I do to control these pesky flies and how do I keep them from coming back?
Fruit flies are attracted to and breed in fermenting materials like ripening fruits and vegetables, beer and cider. They are also attracted to moisture and food that has accumulated in wet sponges, mops, and slimy areas around drains. Fruit flies often come in on infested fruits and vegetables and are small enough to get through regular window and door screens. Discard any overripe fruits and vegetables and place new produce in the refrigerator. Garbage should be kept in plastic bags and in containers that are kept closed. Discard old sponges and rags and keep drains, sinks, dishrags, and sponges clean by washing them with hot water and soap frequently.

I often see what I thought were bumblebees hovering around my deck. My daughter says they are chewing on our wood deck. Can you tell me if any bees are harmful to wood? Top...
Most likely these bees are not bumblebees but carpenter bees. Carpenter bees are large bees that have a slight metallic sheen and shiny, relatively hairless and smooth abdomens as opposed to bumblebees that have hairy abdomens. In spring, female carpenter bees prefer to burrow and lay their eggs in exposed, typically unfinished wood on buildings, decks, and fence posts but they will also burrow into painted and stained woods as well. Large numbers of the carpenter bees can cause significant damage to decks, posts and other wooden structures. D & T Pest and Termite Control, Inc. Pest Management Professionals can successfully treat your carpenter bee problem and tell you how to protect your deck against further infestations.

How do I keep wasps from nesting near my home? I am worried about my children's safety?
In early spring, most social wasps come out of hibernation and look for ideal places to start their nests. They will be less likely to nest on your property if you make it less attractive to them. Make sure that garbage placed outside is kept in clean, tightly sealed containers. If you have fruit trees in your yard, consider removing them or regularly removing fruits that have fallen and begun to rot on the ground. Keep screens tightly secured on windows and doors and make sure that they do not have gaps or openings in them. It is a good idea to contact D & T to remove any old nests and check for wasp activity. We also will be able to treat your home with a residual material which will prevent any kind of bee from nesting on your home or property. If at any time the bees break through our barrier and form a nest, you call us back and we come back and remove at no further charge to you, it is all part of your warranty.

I continually find small moths in my closet and I've recently noticed holes in some of my sweaters. What are they and how can I get rid of them? Top...
It sounds like you may have a clothes moth infestation. In order to get rid of them you will have to try to locate the source of the infestation. Infestations can come from floor and ceiling crevices and any hair based accumulations under floors and behind baseboards. Infestations can also come in on many different types of garments, upholstery, and other fabrics and padding. Vacuum thoroughly (get rid of the bag after every use) and clean your rugs and garments. Dry cleaning or washing garments in hot water and detergent should kill most fabric infesting insects. Consider separating seasonal clothing such as sweater and coats when not in regular use or those that are more susceptible to infestation such as furs and woolens and place them into plastic bags or boxes, cedar chests, metal cans, or similar containers. You can add a few moth flakes, mothballs, or cedar balls to each container to help keep moths out in the future. Again, consulting with a pest management professional from D & T is a good idea. Our PMP’s can identify the type of moths you have and advise you on monitoring and treatment, and offer tips on how to avoid future infestations.

I recently opened my pantry door and found moths flying around the food. Are these insects dangerous and what can I do to get rid of them? Top...
There are several moths that are considered pantry pests. The moths are not dangerous but are a nuisance especially when they breed and their larvae infest various foods such as cereal, flour, and grains. Larvae will feed on food in protected areas and then move away from the food to pupate or rest until emerging in their adult forms as moths. The best way to eliminate an infestation is to thoroughly clean the infested area. Seal infested food in plastic bags and discard it in the trash. Seal similar food items in clear plastic bags as well, especially if they had been stored near any infested products for very long. Vacuum all cracks where grains might have spilled. D & T Pest and Termite Control, Inc. can accurately identify the type of moth in your pantry and prescribe a treatment that is tailored to meet your specific needs.