What is The Difference Between Pest Control and Pest Extermination in Vancouver?

You’ve got pests and you need help – but what kind of service do you actually need? Pest control and pest extermination are two different approaches, and understanding the difference is crucial for getting the right solution for your pest problem in Vancouver.

As a homeowner myself, I’ve been there, dealing with the stress of unwanted house guests of the six-legged (or more!) variety. That’s why I’m going to break it all down for you, from the different techniques and chemicals used, to the ongoing maintenance required. By the end, you’ll know exactly what service will knock out those pests for good.

Pest Control versus Extermination: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between pest control and extermination is that pest control is a broader set of tasks to prevent and manage pests, while pest extermination is the targeted eradication of a specific pest in the property.

Pest control is a proactive, ongoing process that focuses on preventing pests from becoming an issue in the first place. It involves:

• Inspecting for pest entry points and food and water sources
• Sealing cracks and removing attractants
• Using baits, traps, and targeted low-toxicity treatments
• Establishing a regular maintenance plan.

The key is creating an environment that’s inhospitable to pests through exclusion, sanitation, and monitoring. Think of it as home pest-proofing.

Extermination, on the other hand, is the more aggressive, reactive elimination of an existing pest infestation through:

• Broad application of stronger pesticide formulations
• Fumigation or fogging with insecticidal gases
• Removal of severely infested materials.

It’s the “big guns” approach designed to quickly kill off large pest populations. The downside is that pest extermination is a temporary fix if the underlying causes aren’t addressed. While both services aim to get rid of pests, their methods, timelines, and long-term effectiveness differ significantly. So which one is right for your Vancouver home or business?

When Do You Need Pest Control Services?

Pest control is the smart, preventative choice in Vancouver for keeping problems from starting or re-occurring after extermination. It’s ideal if:

• You want to stop pests before they become an infestation
• You’re looking to create a long-term, low-toxicity pest solution
• You need to comply with third-party audits or regulations (such as for restaurants, bars, cafes, clinics, and grocery stores)
• You run a business that can’t afford the downtime from a major infestation.

The process starts with a thorough inspection by a trained pest control technician. Our specialists from All Green Pest Control will identify any conditions that are conducive for pests and make a treatment plan to target hot spots and entry points. From there, it’s about maintaining a regular service schedule to monitor activity and re-apply targeted treatments as needed. This proactive approach keeps populations down using lower-risk products and techniques.

Real-World Example: A restaurant manager calls for pest control after seeing a few flies and rodent droppings. The technician treats any active hot spots and then focuses on exclusion, removing food sources, and installing monitors and traps. With regular service, the flies and rodents are prevented from becoming a major health code violation.

When is Extermination Needed in Vancouver?

While pest control aims to prevent infestations, sometimes pests have already taken hold and established themselves. In these cases, extermination is the solution for rapidly knocking down large pest populations through more potent means. You’ll want to call an exterminator if:

• You have a severe, widespread infestation (such as bed bugs or termites)
• The pest problem is growing out of control despite previous efforts
• You need immediate relief from a public health pest threat.

The extermination process typically involves applying broad-spectrum pesticides in liquid, dust, or gas form to directly kill all life stages of the pest. Infested materials may also need to be removed or treated. However, extermination alone usually isn’t enough. Follow-up pest control is critical to plug any holes, remove attractants, and monitor for re-infestation. Otherwise, the same conducive conditions will let new pests move right back in.

Real-World Example: A homeowner discovers a major cockroach infestation in their kitchen. They call an exterminator to fog the home and flush out and eliminate the roaches. Afterwards, it is recommended to call a pest control technician to caulk entry points, install roach motels (bait devices), and provide ongoing service to prevent a re-infestation.

Comparing Pest Control and Extermination Methods

What specific methods and products do pest control technicians and exterminators use in Vancouver? Here’s a quick overview:

Pest Control Methods:

• Inspection tools (cameras, monitors, and the like) to find pest hotspots
• Exclusion techniques like caulking, door sweeps, and screens
• Removal of pest food sources, water, and harborage areas
• Targeted application of baits, dusts, or aerosols in low-risk areas
• Installation of traps and monitors for ongoing prevention.

Extermination Methods:

• Broad application of liquid or dust pesticides in occupied areas
• Fogging or fumigation with insecticidal gases
• Removal and disposal of heavily infested materials
• Possible use of whole-structure heat or freeze treatments
• May require vacating the premises during treatment.

As you can see, pest control relies more on inspection, exclusion, sanitation, and lower-risk targeted treatments. Extermination brings out the stronger pesticides and whole-room treatments.

The products used also differ. Pest control leans on baits, insecticidal dusts or gels, insect growth regulators, and other lower-toxicity options. Exterminators add liquid residuals, fogging agents, and sometimes fumigants to their arsenal.

Of course, the methods used will depend on the type of pest, extent of the infestation, and whether it’s a preventative or reactive treatment. A good pest management professional will use an integrated approach with the minimum effective treatment.

Which Service is Right for Your Vancouver Property?

Which approach should you choose – pest control or extermination? Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

Go with pest control if:

• You want ongoing prevention and monitoring.
• The pest issue is minor or just starting.
• You’re looking for lower-toxicity solutions.
• You need to maintain audit compliance.

Consider extermination if:

• You have a severe, widespread infestation.
• You need immediate relief from a public health pest.
• The pest problem is growing out of control.
• You intend to get follow-up pest control after.

For most Vancouver homes and businesses, integrating both services is the best approach. Extermination first, then transitioning to regular pest control.That way, you get a fast knockdown of any major infestations, followed by long-term prevention and monitoring to keep pests from returning. It’s a comprehensive solution that attacks pests from both angles.

The All Green Pest Control Approach in Vancouver

At All Green Pest Control, we believe in tackling pest issues through an integrated approach using sustainable, low-impact methods wherever possible. Our process always starts with a detailed inspection to identify pest hotspots and entry points. From there, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan focusing on:

1. Sanitation – Removing food sources, water, and harborage areas
2. Exclusion – Sealing cracks, installing door sweeps, or setting up the right barriers
3. Monitoring – Placing traps and monitors for ongoing prevention
4. Targeted treatments – Baits, dusts, aerosols in low-risk areas
5. Follow-up service – Regular re-inspection and re-treatment.

Our goal is to establish long-term pest prevention and control using the minimum effective treatment. We exhaust all low-toxicity options before considering more potent pesticides or extermination methods. However, we do offer full extermination services when needed to rapidly eliminate severe infestations. Our technicians are fully licensed and trained in methods like:

• Liquid and dust pesticide applications
• Insecticidal fogging and fumigation
• Heat treatments and freezing
• Removal of infested materials.

No matter what service you need, you can count on All Green to provide effective, eco-friendly pest solutions that keep your Vancouver home or business protected long-term. Just give us a call at (604) 990-0100 to get started!