Have you seen an insect that you can’t identify? Reference our Pest Library for photographs, scientific names and species information.

Do you have questions about our exterminator services? Read our Frequently Asked Questions for information. If you don’t find the answer, please contact us about pest control.

General FAQs

What is the benefit of hiring a professional pest control service when I can buy chemicals from a store?

While purchasing chemicals and treating your home or business is an option, contacting a pest control service will ensure that treatment is efficient and correct. The most important factor to eradicating a pest issue is properly identifying the species. Once the pest has been identified, a pest management professional will use knowledge, tools and proper pesticide to rid your home or business of its current issue.

How can I identify a pest that is not in the Pest Library?

While the Pest Library is a list of the most common pests found in our region, it is by no means an exhaustive list. If you would like help identifying an insect, please feel free to contact us.

A photograph of the insect would be most helpful. If you cannot supply a photograph, a general description (color, markings, size, etc.) and location (indoors, outdoors, etc.) would be most helpful in identifying the insect.

Why are there more invasive, non-native species of insects in recent years?

The simple answer: the growth of the global economy. In an effort to boost a country’s export and Gross National Product, international commerce has become a very normal practice. With the spread of humans to foreign lands, the insects are simply piggybacking and thriving in foreign places.

Pest Control FAQs

What is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally-conscious approach to pest control that relies on a combination of education and training. An IPM program utilizes biological information based on the type of pest that has been identified. Information gathered, in combination with advanced pest control procedures, is used to manage the pest with the most thorough and environmentally sensitive method of control.

Why do I still see pests in my home?

While our pest control specialists diligently work to keep your home and business pest-free, insects can sometimes still find their way in. After all, we are battling a force of Mother Nature. Since there is always the possibility of insects entering your home or business, our Quarterly Pest Control program is guaranteed. If you continue to see an issue, contact us to schedule an extra service call at no additional charge.

How are pests getting inside my home?

Insects adapt to survive. Therefore, insects will find any gap, crack or crevice to enter your home or business. While a pest-proof home would be nice, attaining such a goal is highly unlikely. Our pest control service includes an inspection of your home or business by a pest control specialist and a list of conditions that might allow insects to enter and thrive.

Is Palmetto Green the right pest control service for me?

Palmetto Green isn’t for everyone so how do you know if it is right for you?

Palmetto GreenPro and Palmetto Green Hybrid utilize natural insecticides and repellents found in nature instead of synthetic insecticides to protect your home from pests. Elements from natural plants and trees like cedar oil, lemongrass, and pyrethrins are used. Though these products are natural, they tend to emit a stronger fragrance than traditional pesticides.

In addition to the fragrance, green pesticides do not have the longevity that synthetic chemicals have. Since the majority of green products are oils that break down more rapidly, they need to be replenished more regularly.

Are the pest control products you use safe for me, my children and my pets?

All of the products we use are safe for you, your family and your pets. Our highly trained pest control specialists evaluate and process each situation, then factor in Integrated Pest Management to minimize the risk of exposure while maximizing the effectiveness of each product.

I don’t see any pests in my home. Can I skip a quarterly service call?

While we are happy that we have eradicated insects from your home or business, it is imperative that we continue to maintain a chemical barrier around the exterior. Skipping a quarterly service call can allow an infestation to grow and become a problem that may take our pest control specialists several trips and time out of your schedule to control.

I just had my quarterly service call, then it rained. Do you need to come back?

Each situation is a little different, so there is no definitive answer to this question. Our pest control specialists perform four key treatments each service. Two of these treatments – crack and crevice and insecticide granules – are not as susceptible to weather. However, if you experience any pests, Palmetto Exterminators’ Quarterly Pest Control program is guaranteed, and therefore an extra service may be performed at no extra cost.

Do you have to come inside for a quarterly service call?

Interior applications are greatly reduced, especially when there are no specific interior pest problems, through our quarterly residential pest control program. Should you, however, have an interior problem there is no additional charge for spraying the interior.

I have pests in my house but I’m not sure what they are. How can I find out?

Please browse our Pest Library for help identifying the insect. Should you not find the pest you are looking for, please contact us. Our skilled pest control experts will assist you.

Termite FAQs

What can I do to prevent termites?

Preventing termites is best accomplished through regular inspections of your home or business and treatment, but there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of a pest control problem:

  • Divert water away from your home or business with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
  • Quickly repair any structural damage caused by moisture, such as a roof leak or plumbing leak.
  • Perform routine maintenance, such as caulking, painting windows and cleaning your gutters.
  • Reduce humidity in crawl spaces.
  • Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents and growing on the exterior of your home or business.
  • Eliminate wood contact with the ground around your home or business.
  • Remove any wood or construction debris from your crawl space and around your home or business.

Can I treat termites on my own?

Do-it-yourself termite control is certainly an option. However, most owners lack the knowledge and training that professionals have to treat termite problems effectively.

An essential component of treating a termite problem effectively is correctly identifying the termite species and developing a course of treatment that takes the species’s biology and habits into account. It is also critical that products are handled properly to ensure effective treatment. A pest control specialist from Palmetto Exterminators has the training and expertise to provide the most effective solution to your termite problem.

I just bought a house that you have under warranty. Do I have to pay a fee to transfer it to my name?

Our termite service agreements transfer at no cost. If you just purchased a home under warranty with Palmetto Exterminators, all you have to do is provide us with your name and contact information. Our pest control experts will take care of the rest.

Why should I renew my termite service agreement?

According to the NPMA, every year termites cause more than $5 billion in damage with the average repair costing $2,500 to $5,000. That does not include the cost of treating and removing the termites.

With a termite service agreement with Palmetto Exterminators, you would not be responsible for any of the repair or re-treatment costs.

How can I tell the difference between flying ants and termites?

Termites are often confused with ants. However, a few simple things distinguish the two.

Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist and short legs. Both wings are the same size and shape with a lace-like appearance.

Ants have elbowed antennae; a thin, pinched waist; and long legs. Their hind wings are smaller than the front wings.

Mosquito FAQs

What health risks do mosquitos pose?

Mosquitoes are known vectors of several serious parasites and illnesses. Some of the most serious being West Nile Virus, Malaria, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever and Zika Virus. More information can be found below or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. It is important to have a pest control plan in place to guard against these issues.

How long will a Mosquito Barrier Treatment last?

A Mosquito Barrier Treatment is designed to last between 3 to 4 weeks.

My town/city/county sprays for mosquitoes. Why do I need your mosquito control service?

Municipal mosquito services are designed to reduce the population of mosquitoes on a large scale and not necessarily for the comfort of individuals.

Our mosquito control services are customized to your home and needs. Our goal is to allow your family to get out and enjoy your yard without worrying about being bit by mosquitoes.

What Our Employees Say:

You are part of a family here. Part of the bigger picture. The owners know you by name and genuinely care about you and yours. It's fast-paced and challenging, which keeps it interesting.

Brittany - Summerville, SC

What Our Customers Say:

Palmetto exterminators always does a great job with our annual termite treatment. Always on time and very informative. Thank you!

Mangums - Columbia, SC