At Anderson Pest Control, we often get questions about how rain affects pest control treatments. Understandably, customers want to know if the money they’ve spent on pest control will go to waste if it rains soon after the service. Here are the most common questions we receive:
• Can you apply pesticides in the rain?
• Will the rain wash away the treatment?
• Should we reschedule our appointment?
Here’s what you need to know.
Does Rain Affect Pest Control Treatments?
In most cases, rain won’t impact the effectiveness of your pest control treatment. Here’s why:
• Protection from Eaves and Gutters: Most homes have eaves and gutters that shield the walls from rain. Unless the rain is accompanied by strong winds blowing directly against the house, the treatment will remain unaffected.
• Dry Surfaces are Key: We never spray on wet surfaces because the pesticide needs to bond with the area where it’s applied. If it’s raining heavily before the scheduled service, we may need to reschedule, as the product won’t work effectively on wet surfaces.
Should You Reschedule Your Appointment?
In most cases, no. You generally don’t need to reschedule unless severe weather is expected to continue. Here’s why:
• Insoluble Insecticides: Many of the products we use are designed to resist washing away in the rain. However, if heavy rain is forecasted for an extended period, rescheduling may be a good idea.
• Increased Pest Activity: Wet conditions often drive pests like ants out of the ground, making them more visible and vulnerable to treatment. Additionally, granular insecticides actually work better in damp soil as the moisture activates the product, enhancing its effectiveness.
What About Specific Treatments?
For exterior treatments, such as spraying for spiders, we use products that dry quickly—usually within 10 minutes. If rain occurs after this drying period, the effectiveness remains unchanged. Some products, like Suspend PolyZone, are specifically formulated to withstand rain, irrigation, and other environmental factors, providing pest control for up to 90 days.
Key Takeaways
• Rain typically doesn’t impact pest control treatments, especially if it occurs after the product has dried.
• Our products are designed to remain effective, even in wet conditions.
• We never apply pesticides on wet surfaces to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• If you have any concerns, feel free to contact Anderson Pest Control—we’re here to help!