Orkin uses EPA-approved chemicals that are generally safe for humans and pets, provided the products are completely dry. The greatest risk occurs from direct exposure to wet sprays or ingesting the chemicals, so you should keep children and pets away from treated areas for at least 1-2 hours.
Pesticides for household insects are designed to be applied at low concentrations, usually less than 1 percent. These concentrations are high enough to be effective in killing small insects, but pose no threat to people or pets.
As the nation's go-to for pest control services, our pest control reviews are a testament to our quality of service and expertise in helping get rid of pests and vermin. Whether you're looking for pest management, termite control, or bed bug treatment, the skilled Pros at Orkin are at your service.
The safest and most effective bug spray depends on your needs, but health agencies consistently recommend 20% Picaridin or 20-30% DEET for optimal protection against disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and ticks. Both are well-studied, safe for the skin, and safe for children over two months old.
COMMON ORKIN SERVICE QUESTIONS
Is pest control safe for newborn babies? Depending on the application, it would be best to remain out of the house for a few hours after spraying, especially if you are concerned. Pesticides designed for control of household insects are formulated at low concentration levels.
It is not good to be exposed to treatments even if an exterminator applied it because you and your family might suffer the most. Before you come inside your home, you should ask the exterminator about the time you have to wait. The recommended time to wait before you can come inside is after two to four hours.
No, bed bugs do not stay on your body after a shower. They do not cling to human skin like ticks or lice and do not live on their hosts. Bed bugs only crawl onto you to feed (typically for 5 to 10 minutes) and then immediately retreat to their hiding spots in mattresses, furniture, or wall crevices.
DEET is not outright banned in Europe, but it is heavily regulated and restricted. Under the EU's Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR), sales of high-concentration formulas are restricted, and individual countries enforce their own localized rules.
The only methods that guarantee a 100% kill rate for both bed bugs and their eggs are extreme heat and professional multi-step pest control treatments.
Perhaps the most well-known mosquito repellent in Japan is the “mosquito coil.” A mosquito coil is a special kind of incense that has been molded in the shape of a spiral. The incense traditionally contains dried pyrethrum (a type of chrysanthemum), as well as other natural ingredients.
Most homeowners can expect to pay between $50 and $80 per month, or $600 to $1,000 per year, for Orkin pest control services. But that cost mainly depends on your plan. If you have an active infestation and need more intensive removal, Orkin will give you a custom quote.
Winner: Terminix.
Both Orkin and Terminix do more than just eradicate pests; however, Terminix offers a wider range of home services than its competitor that extends beyond moisture and attic maintenance.
Yes, you can sleep in your bed, but only after the home has been completely ventilated and the exterminator has officially declared it safe. Waiting periods typically range from 2 to 48 hours depending on the treatment used. It is strongly recommended to wash all bedding in hot water before getting back into bed.
Yes, Orkin sprays inside the house, but they focus treatments on specific trouble areas rather than broadly coating your home.
This sharp increase is because in the past seven years the EU has banned dozens of pesticides that were previously authorised for use on European farms, after evidence emerged of the dangers they pose to human health or the environment.
The smell of professional pest control is generally not harmful, as regulated products used correctly are low-toxicity. However, these odors—often from "inert" carrier ingredients—can trigger temporary symptoms like mild headaches, nausea, or throat irritation in sensitive individuals, asthmatics, or pets.
But there are a few ways to tell the difference. Pattern: Bed bug bites may appear in a linear pattern, as a series of multiple bites in a row or a zigzag. Flea bites often show up in clusters of three (sometimes also in a straight line).
When dealing with a bed bug infestation on a tight budget, the most effective strategy relies on consistent, physical removal and heat treatment rather than expensive chemical sprays. The process requires immense patience and a step-by-step approach.
No, bed bugs cannot live or lay eggs in your human hair. They lack the specialized claws and body shape required to grip hair shafts and prefer to hide in flat, undisturbed spaces like mattresses, furniture, and baseboards. They only crawl onto you briefly to feed.
No, Vaseline (petroleum jelly/petrolatum) is not banned in Europe.
The table is arranged according to decreasing pesticide per hectare. The top 25% largest consumers of pesticides cover 7 countries from Portugal (5.09 kg/ha) to Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Cyprus 6 and eventually Malta (10.10 Kg/ha).
Some of the most noteworthy OP agents are Chlorpyrifos (CPF), Malathion (MAL), Parathion, and Tricholorfan [19]. Both human and rodent studies have found interesting links between exposure to these various pesticides and ASD diagnosis or ASD-like behaviors [24,25].
Mattresses and pillows make potential habitats for bed bugs. Pillows may also be host to bed bug eggs, making them a potential point of bed bug infestations.
No, bed bugs cannot go inside your private parts. They do not live on the human body or burrow into the skin like some other parasites. However, they can and will bite exposed skin in the groin and genital area while you are sleeping.
Yes, bed bugs and their eggs can technically survive a standard wash cycle. While water submersion and detergent kill many adult bugs, cooler temperatures and short cycles won't eliminate all stages. The crucial step for completely eradicating bed bugs is transferring the items to a hot dryer.