Professional pest control technician treating Boise home exterior
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What to Expect During Your First Pest Control Service

Never hired a pest control company before? We walk you through exactly what happens during your first visit, from preparation to treatment to follow-up.

January 6, 2026
9 min read
Dustin Wright
Written by
Dustin Wright
Owner & Licensed Pest Control Operator
Idaho Licensed Applicator10+ Years Experience
Quick Answer

Your first pest control service includes a thorough inspection, comprehensive interior and exterior treatment, and education about your specific pest situation. At Green Guard, initial service costs just $49 and takes 45-60 minutes. Preparation is minimal - just ensure access to areas around your home. Results begin immediately with full effectiveness in 7-14 days.

Key Takeaways

  • 1Initial service at Green Guard costs just $49 and includes comprehensive treatment
  • 2Service takes approximately 45-60 minutes for average homes
  • 3Preparation is minimal - mainly ensure access to perimeter and interior treatment areas
  • 4Treatment begins working immediately; full effectiveness in 7-14 days
  • 5Free re-service if pests persist after initial treatment period

Scheduling Your First Service

Pro Tip

When you call, have an idea of what pests you are seeing and where. This helps us prepare the right products and approach for your situation.

Getting started with professional pest control is simple. Here is what happens when you contact Green Guard:

  • Call (208) 297-7947 - Speak with our team about your pest concerns
  • Brief consultation - We ask about what pests you are seeing, where, and how long the problem has existed
  • Schedule appointment - Most Boise area homes can be scheduled within a few days
  • Confirm pricing - Initial service is $49, and we will confirm this and explain what is included
  • Receive confirmation - You will receive appointment details by email or text

How to Prepare for Your Service

Preparation for pest control service is minimal, but a few steps help ensure the best results:

  • Clear access to perimeter - Move items stored against the exterior walls so we can treat the foundation
  • Trim vegetation - If plants are growing against your home, trim back to allow access
  • Note pest activity - Remember where you have seen pests so you can show the technician
  • Secure pets - Keep pets away from treatment areas during service
  • Clear under sinks - If interior treatment is needed, access under kitchen and bathroom sinks helps
  • Plan to be available - Someone should be home during service to answer questions and provide access

The Inspection Phase

Pro Tip

Share everything you have observed with your technician. Where you see pests, when you see them, and any patterns you have noticed all help with effective treatment.

Your service begins with a thorough inspection. This is not just a quick look - it is a systematic evaluation of your pest situation:

  • Exterior inspection - Foundation, siding, eaves, roof line, and areas where pests might enter
  • Interior inspection - Kitchen, bathrooms, utility areas, basement/crawlspace access points
  • Pest identification - Confirming what pests are present and distinguishing between similar species
  • Activity assessment - Determining the extent of any infestation and primary activity areas
  • Entry point identification - Finding how pests are getting in
  • Conducive conditions - Noting moisture issues, food sources, or harborage that attracts pests

The Treatment Process

After inspection, your technician performs comprehensive treatment. Here is what this includes:

  • Exterior perimeter treatment - Creating a barrier around your foundation and entry points
  • Exterior targeted treatment - Addressing specific pest harboring areas like eaves, window frames, door frames
  • Interior baseboard treatment - Treating where walls meet floors in key areas
  • Interior crack and crevice - Treating entry points, pipe penetrations, and other pest pathways
  • Targeted applications - Specific treatment of areas with pest activity
  • Bait placement - Strategic baiting for certain pest types when appropriate

How Long Does Service Take?

Pro Tip

First visits typically take slightly longer than subsequent quarterly visits because we are establishing your treatment plan and addressing existing pest activity.

For average-sized homes, expect the following timeframes:

  • Small homes (under 1,500 sq ft) - 30-45 minutes
  • Average homes (1,500-3,000 sq ft) - 45-60 minutes
  • Large homes (over 3,000 sq ft) - 60-90 minutes
  • Complex situations - Severe infestations or difficult access may require additional time

After Your Service

Once treatment is complete, your technician will provide important information:

  • What was treated - Explanation of products used and where they were applied
  • What to expect - Timeline for results and what you might see as treatment takes effect
  • Recommendations - Suggestions for things you can do to support pest prevention
  • Follow-up schedule - When your next quarterly service will occur
  • Contact information - How to reach us if you have questions or concerns

When to Expect Results

Warning

Seeing more pests in the days immediately following treatment is normal. They are being flushed from hiding areas and contacting treatment. This activity should decrease significantly within 7-14 days.

Understanding the results timeline helps set proper expectations:

  • Immediate (0-48 hours) - Barrier protection begins working immediately upon application
  • Short-term (3-7 days) - You may see increased pest activity as pests contact treated areas. This is normal and indicates treatment is working.
  • Full effect (7-14 days) - Population reduction becomes evident. Most visible pest activity should cease.
  • Complete control (14-30 days) - Residual products continue eliminating pests as they emerge or enter treated areas

If Pests Persist: Free Re-Service

Pro Tip

Do not hesitate to call (208) 297-7947 if you continue seeing pests after the initial treatment period. Re-service is free and we want you completely satisfied.

Sometimes pest problems require additional treatment. At Green Guard, we stand behind our work:

  • Free re-service guarantee - If pests return after the initial 14-day period, contact us
  • No additional charge - We return and re-treat problem areas at no cost
  • Until resolved - We continue addressing the issue until you are satisfied
  • Quarterly customers - Free re-service applies between all scheduled visits
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