FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to Your Most Common Pest Control Questions
📋 General Questions
What areas do you serve?
+We proudly serve Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Reston, Vienna, Falls Church, Tysons, Springfield, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Manassas, Woodbridge, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County.
Are you licensed and insured?
+Yes! Matar Pest Control is fully licensed in Virginia (License #131609), Maryland, and Washington DC. We are also fully insured and a proud member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
Do you offer free estimates?
+Yes, we offer free inspections and estimates for most pest control services. Call us at (703) 671-1170 or request an appointment online to schedule yours.
Do you offer emergency services?
+Absolutely! We offer 24/7 emergency pest control services. For urgent pest issues, call our emergency line at (703) 370-4948 anytime, day or night.
🛡️ Treatment Questions
Are your treatments safe for children and pets?
+Yes! We use only EPA-approved, eco-friendly products that are safe for your family and pets when applied as directed. Our technicians will provide specific instructions for each treatment, but most treatments are safe once dry (typically 30-60 minutes).
How long does a typical treatment take?
+Most residential treatments take 30-60 minutes depending on the size of your home and the type of pest problem. Specialized treatments like termite or bed bug services may take longer. Your technician will give you an accurate time estimate before starting.
Do I need to leave my home during treatment?
+For most standard treatments, you don't need to leave. However, we recommend keeping children and pets away from treated areas until dry. For certain treatments (like fumigation), we'll provide specific instructions and advance notice.
How soon will I see results?
+Many customers notice a significant reduction in pest activity within 24-48 hours. However, complete elimination may take 1-2 weeks depending on the pest type and severity. Some pests may be more active immediately after treatment as they are flushed out—this is normal and a sign the treatment is working!
💰 Service & Pricing
What service plans do you offer?
+We offer several protection plans to fit your needs:
- Base Shield: Quarterly treatments for general pest protection
- Home Shield: Bi-monthly treatments with expanded coverage
- Premium Shield: Monthly treatments plus rodent protection
- Elite Shield: Our most comprehensive plan with termite monitoring
Contact us to discuss which plan is right for your home or business.
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
+Yes! If pests return between your scheduled service visits, so do we—at no additional charge. We stand behind our work and your satisfaction is our priority. Visit our Service Guarantee page for full details.
What payment methods do you accept?
+We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), checks, and cash. We also offer convenient automatic payment options for service plan customers.
🐜 Specific Pests
How do I know if I have termites?
+Common signs of termites include:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Small holes in drywall
If you suspect termites, call us immediately for a free inspection. Early detection can save thousands in damage!
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
+Bed bugs require professional treatment—DIY methods rarely work. Our bed bug treatment includes thorough inspection, targeted treatment of all affected areas, and follow-up visits to ensure complete elimination. We may also recommend heat treatment for severe infestations.
Why do I keep seeing ants in my kitchen?
+Ants are attracted to food and water sources. While keeping a clean kitchen helps, ants can still find their way in through tiny cracks. Our treatment targets the entire colony, not just the ants you see. We also identify and recommend sealing entry points for long-term prevention.
Do you provide WDI reports for real estate?
+Yes! We provide official Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection reports for real estate transactions. Our NPMA-33 compliant reports meet all Virginia, Maryland, and DC requirements, including VA and FHA loan requirements. Contact us to schedule your inspection.