California enacts unprecedented restrictions on rat poisons
Josh S. • April 30, 2025
California enacts unprecedented restrictions on rat poisons in a misguided bid to protect wildlife
Why You Need a Professional for Rodent Problems—Now More Than Ever
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a serious public health threat. From chewing wires and damaging property to spreading disease, rats and mice have earned their bad reputation over centuries. And while it’s tempting to handle things on your own, the truth is: modern rodent control is no DIY job. Especially in California, where strict new laws limit the use of the most effective rodenticides, hiring a licensed professional is more important than ever.
Why the Rules Have Changed
As of January 1, 2025, California’s Poison-Free Wildlife Act (AB 2552) prohibits the use of both first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs and SGARs) in residential settings. These products were once a staple in controlling serious infestations. The misguided law aims to protect wildlife from secondary poisoning, but it also means fewer tools are available to pest control Professionals and the average homeowner or business owner has even fewer options. So what do we do? That’s where professionals come in, We don't only rely on rodenticides in fact a well trained experienced technicians like the ones here at Dunphy's ExtermaPest will have a whole bag of tricks and techniques at their disposal to solve your problems.
The Benefits of Professional Rodent Control
- Expert Knowledge: A trained technician understands rodent behavior, knows how to locate nests and travel routes, and can deploy traps and baits responsibly and effectively.
- Access to Legal, Regulated Products: Pest control companies are licensed to use methods and materials that are restricted to the general public.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Professionals focus on long-term prevention—like sealing entry points, eliminating attractants, and using traps alongside low-risk bait applications.
- Health and Safety: Rodents are carriers of serious diseases including leptospirosis, hantavirus, and yes—even plague. Eliminating them quickly and thoroughly protects your family and pets.
The Role of Rodenticides: Risk vs Reward
There’s a lot of fear around pesticides and rodenticides, and for good reason—they can be dangerous if misused. But let’s not forget what they’ve done for us. Rodenticides have played a crucial role in eliminating outbreaks of the plague, controlling typhus, and maintaining public sanitation in urban areas.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Risks (when used incorrectly):
- Secondary poisoning to wildlife and pets (almost non existent when applied properly)
- Accidental exposure when misused
- Environmental contamination if applied improperly
Benefits (when used correctly):
- Rapid reduction in rodent populations
- Control of diseases that once killed millions
- Protection of food supplies, electrical infrastructure, and personal property
- Relief from the stress and health concerns of an infestation
Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
With fewer chemical options available due to California’s evolving regulations, pest control has shifted away from over-the-counter solutions and toward specialized expertise. You may not have noticed but the products you used to buy at the big box stores don't work like they use to, that's because they have changed the formula and it just isn't as effective. The days of simply tossing a bait box in the garage are over. Success now requires a combination of structural know-how, behavioral insight, and access to professional-grade tools—all within the boundaries of current law.
Pests are an unfortunate reality for homeowners. They can invade your home, damage your property and make you sick. When pest invasion becomes a serious problem, it's time to contact pest control services. You may be wondering what pest control company is best for you to get rid of those pesky pests as quickly as possible. The pest control company you choose should be able to provide the pest control services you need. Remember, you may not even know what type of pest is invading your property, so companies in this industry should have various pest control tactics at their disposal. Some common ways that pest control companies can rid your home or business from pests include exterminating them with chemicals and pesticides, trapping them using sticky glue boards, installing mesh screens over vents or cracks that they use to enter buildings. In this article, we'll give you tips on finding the right pest control service for your needs. Find Out What Pests They Specialize In Pest control doesn't just deal with pest insects. There are pest problems that can be caused by small animals, spiders, and even rodents. All pest companies do not offer the same services, so it's important to find out exactly what species of pests they specialize in before deciding which company to hire for your pest problem. Find Out How Their Process Works Some pest control companies use chemicals, while others may utilize different methods such as heat treatments or traps. You may have children or pets who get freaked out by chemical smells, so if this is an issue, then you'll want to go with one of those eco-friendly options. Find Out How Much Experience They Have Pest control companies are not all created equal, and it's important to know what pest company is the best when you have a pest problem. If they're new in town, then chances are that they don't have much experience with pest problems, but if the pest company has been around for decades, there is more assurance that their methods will work, especially for dealing with those pesky termites. Understand What Services You Need Finding out exactly which pest control service would be perfect for your situation can take some time since different pests require different treatments. So before hiring any pest company, make sure you understand whether or not they offer most types of pest solutions - including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders among others. Some pest control companies offer same-day or emergency pest services. This can be a huge benefit for homeowners dealing with an infestation and need to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Find Out If Exterminators Are Licensed, Bonded, And Insured Pest control services are regulated by state pest management regulatory agencies. Make sure that the company you hire has these credentials. You don't want to risk your home or health by hiring someone who isn't properly certified and insured for pest services. You can find out if a pest control company in your area has the proper licenses and certifications on their website, or you can call to ask them over the phone. Verify That Pest Exterminators Offer Warranty Protection Some pest extermination warranties protect against re-infestations for up to one year after treatment. This will depend on how much coverage is included in the specific contract you choose. If this is something important to you, make sure all pests are covered under any warranty before signing on. If you want to find the best pest control services, then it is important that you do your research and look for a company with experience. It will also be helpful if they have great customer service reviews and offer competitive pricing. You can use these tips to help guide your decision while looking around for a pest control company.
Why ExtermaPest is the Best Choice for WDO Escrow Reports When it comes to Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) escrow reports, choosing the right pest control company is essential. WDO infestations, including termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles, can compromise the structural integrity of a home and impact real estate transactions. Dunphy's ExtermaPest is the trusted partner in the Coachella Valley & High Desert areas for comprehensive, accurate WDO escrow reports. Our approach focuses on eliminating infestations without inflating costs through unnecessary construction repairs. Here’s why ExtermaPest should be your first choice. Our Focus: Eliminating Infestations, Not Up-Charging for Repairs At ExtermaPest, we believe pest control companies should stick to what they do best—eliminating pests. Unlike some companies that inflate WDO reports with costly construction repairs, we do not up-charge clients for repairs best handled by licensed construction contractors. We provide: Accurate WDO Reports: We deliver detailed reports that clearly outline the presence and extent of WDO issues without unnecessary recommendations for construction work. Honest Pricing: Our focus is on the pest control solutions you need, without hidden fees or repair costs that drive up the price. Professional Referrals: Should repairs be necessary, we believe that work should be done by trusted construction professionals, not pest control companies looking to profit. Why You Should Be Wary of Pest Control Companies Offering Repairs When a pest control company includes construction repairs in their WDO reports, it can be a red flag. Here’s why Choosing a pest control company that focuses solely on pest elimination ensures you receive an honest, accurate report without unnecessary expenses. Conflict of Interest: Companies that both diagnose pest issues and sell repair services may be incentivized to overstate damage. Higher Costs: Construction repairs bundled with pest control services are often overpriced. Lack of Expertise: Pest control professionals are not construction experts. Structural repairs should always be performed by licensed contractors who specialize in construction work. Why ExtermaPest Stands Out Since 1998, ExtermaPest has been the Coachella Valley’s trusted provider of pest control services. When it comes to WDO escrow reports, our reputation for integrity, speed, and thoroughness sets us apart: Fast Turnaround: We understand the urgency of real estate transactions and provide prompt WDO inspections and reports. Thorough Inspections: Our experienced technicians meticulously inspect properties, identifying any WDO activity without exaggeration. Honest Service: Transparency is our standard. We offer solutions focused on pest elimination, never pressuring clients into overpriced repair services. Locally Owned and Operated: With deep roots in the Coachella Valley, we’re committed to providing honest, reliable services to our community. The ExtermaPest Advantage for Escrow Transactions We know that real estate transactions rely on accurate information. Our WDO escrow reports are designed to meet the needs of buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals by providing: Clear Documentation: Our reports include detailed findings, and treatment recommendations. Regulation Compliance: We follow all California pest control regulations to ensure reports meet state requirements. Professional Communication: Our team works seamlessly with real estate agents, escrow companies, and homeowners to ensure a smooth process. Contact ExtermaPest for Your WDO Escrow Report When accuracy, honesty, and efficiency matter, Dunphy's ExtermaPest is the name you can trust for WDO escrow reports in the Coachella Valley. Don’t let inflated repair costs slow down your real estate transaction. Let our experienced team provide you with a fast, thorough, and honest WDO inspection and report. Dunphy's ExtermaPest Inc. – Your Reliable Partner for WDO Escrow Reports in the Coachella Valley. Call us today 760-321-PEST
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This is why you should choose Dunphy's ExtermaPest.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Understanding Ant and Termite Swarmers Hello, valued readers! Josh S. here from Dunphy's ExtermaPest Inc., your trusted pest control experts in Southern California. As we approach the warmer months, you might have noticed a familiar yet unwelcome sight – swarms of ants and termites taking to the skies. But what exactly are these insect swarms, and why do they occur? In this blog post, we're going to dive into the world of ant and termite swarmers to help you understand what they are, why they swarm, and the triggers behind their seasonal appearances. Ant Swarmers: A Quest for New Colonies Ant swarmers, often referred to as "flying ants," are actually reproductive ants on a mission to establish new colonies. Typically, they emerge in the spring or early summer, and their swarming behavior is triggered by warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours. These flying ants are male and female reproductives, and their swarming is part of the natural lifecycle of ant colonies. When conditions are right, they take flight in massive numbers to mate, and once successful, the female ants shed their wings and search for a suitable spot to start a new colony. Termite Swarmers: Nature's Recyclers on the Move Termite swarmers, on the other hand, are the future kings and queens of termite colonies. Just like ants, termite swarming season coincides with warmer weather. These winged termites emerge in search of mates and suitable locations to establish new termite colonies. Termite swarming is triggered by a combination of factors, including temperature, humidity, and sometimes even rain. It's essential to note that while these swarmers might seem like a nuisance, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down wood and plant matter. What Can Trigger Swarming? The triggers for ant and termite swarming are primarily environmental. Temperature and daylight hours are the primary factors, but humidity, recent rainfall, and even barometric pressure can also influence swarming behavior. These conditions signal to the swarmers that it's the right time to venture out and create new colonies. To protect your home or business from these swarms, it's crucial to have a professional pest control plan in place, especially during the swarming season. In conclusion, understanding ant and termite swarmers and the factors that drive their behavior can help you prepare for their seasonal appearances. If you're experiencing swarming pests in the Coachella Valley or Morongo Valley areas, don't hesitate to reach out to Dunphy's ExtermaPest Inc. for expert pest control services tailored to your specific needs. We've been proudly serving the community since 1998, and our highly trained team is here to protect your home or business from these seasonal invaders. Stay pest-free this swarming season!
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