Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We only use products that are labeled safe for use in homes with children and pets. Before every treatment we’ll tell you exactly which products we’re using, and we’ll give you specific re-entry instructions, typically just waiting until the treatment has dried, which is usually 30–60 minutes.

If your pet has any specific sensitivities or health conditions, let us know ahead of time and we can adjust our product selection accordingly.

Yes, all inspections are completely free with no obligation to purchase anything. We’ll walk your property, identify any pest activity or risk areas, and give you a written quote on the spot. There’s no pressure and no sales pitch. If we don’t find anything, we’ll tell you that too.

Schedule your free inspection →

In most cases we can schedule an inspection or treatment within 1–2 business days. For urgent situations, an active wasp nest, a rodent inside the home, or a large indoor pest problem, we do our best to respond the same day or next morning.

Call or text us at (706) 754-6248 and we’ll get you on the schedule as fast as possible.

Yes. Kilz Pest Control is fully licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture as a licensed pesticide applicator and carries general liability insurance. You can ask to see our license number at any time, we’re happy to provide it.

Hiring an unlicensed applicator is not only risky for your family’s safety, it’s also illegal in Georgia. Always ask any pest control company for proof of licensure before letting them treat your home.

For most standard general pest control treatments, you do not need to leave your home. We use targeted applications in cracks, crevices, and along baseboards rather than broadcasting product through the air.

For some specific treatments, certain cockroach treatments, bed bug treatments, or indoor flea treatments, we’ll ask you and your pets to vacate for a period of time (typically 2–4 hours) until the product has dried. We’ll always tell you in advance exactly what to expect, and we’ll give you a written re-entry time before we start.

No. We don’t require long-term contracts. We offer:

• One-time treatments, for a specific pest problem with no ongoing commitment
• Quarterly maintenance plans, four treatments per year at a reduced rate, cancel anytime
• Bi-monthly plans, six treatments per year, ideal for homes with consistent pest pressure

We believe our work should speak for itself. If you’re not satisfied, you shouldn’t be locked into a contract. That said, ongoing maintenance plans are significantly more cost-effective than repeated one-time treatments and do a much better job of keeping pests from re-establishing.

It depends on the service and the size of your property, but here are typical time frames:

• General pest control (exterior + interior): 30–60 minutes for an average home
• Termite inspection: 45–90 minutes depending on crawlspace access
• Termite liquid treatment: 2–4 hours
• Rodent inspection and trap setup: 45–60 minutes
• Bed bug treatment: 2–4 hours depending on how many rooms

We’ll give you a realistic time estimate when we schedule the appointment so you can plan your day accordingly.

We stand behind our work. If pests return between scheduled visits on a maintenance plan, we’ll come back and re-treat at no additional charge. Just call or text us and we’ll get you scheduled.

For one-time treatments, re-treatment guarantees depend on the specific service, we’ll explain the coverage terms before we start so there are no surprises. Some pests (like termites and bed bugs) come with specific follow-up protocols built into the service.

Termites are often called “silent destroyers” because they cause damage for years before any obvious sign appears. The most common indicators include:

• Mud tubes, pencil-sized tunnels of mud running along your foundation, piers, or exposed wood. These are the clearest sign of subterranean termites.
• Hollow-sounding wood, tap on baseboards, door frames, or exposed wood. A papery, hollow sound suggests termites have eaten the interior.
• Swarmers or shed wings, winged termites emerging from the ground or wood, or piles of small, identical wings near windows and doors (especially in spring).
• Tight-fitting doors or windows, moisture produced by termite activity causes wood to warp and swell.
• Blistered or bubbling paint, can indicate termite damage or moisture beneath the surface.

The best way to know for certain is a professional inspection. We offer free termite inspections, call or text (706) 754-6248 or request one online.

Termite treatment costs in Georgia vary based on your home’s size, construction type, and the treatment method used. Rough ranges:

• Liquid soil treatment (Termidor® or equivalent): $500–$1,500 for an average home, with annual renewal fees of $150–$300
• Bait station system (Sentricon® or equivalent): $1,200–$2,500 to install, with annual monitoring fees of $300–$500
• Both combined: Used for severe infestations or higher-risk properties

To put it in perspective: the average termite damage repair in the U.S. costs $3,000–$8,000, and most homeowner insurance policies don’t cover it. Treatment is almost always a fraction of repair costs.

We provide free inspections and written quotes with no obligation. Contact us or call (706) 754-6248 for an honest assessment of your specific situation.

Both are effective, they work differently and are often used together for maximum protection.

Liquid soil treatment involves applying a termiticide (like Termidor®) into the soil around and under your foundation, creating a chemical barrier. Termites that enter the treatment zone are killed and carry the product back to the colony. It works quickly and provides immediate protection.

Bait stations are cylinders placed in the soil around your home’s perimeter. They contain wood material that termites find and feed on, then carry slow-acting bait back to the colony, eliminating the queen and the entire colony over time. Bait systems require regular monitoring visits to confirm activity and bait consumption.

Which is right for you?

• For active infestations with existing damage: liquid treatment is typically recommended for speed
• For preventive protection or as an ongoing monitoring system: bait stations work well
• For high-risk properties or severe infestations: both combined

We’ll recommend the right approach after inspecting your specific property and construction type.

A “termite bond” is a service agreement (not a true insurance bond) between you and a pest control company. It typically covers annual inspections and re-treatment if termites return, and some bonds include damage repair coverage.

Do you legally need one? No, termite bonds aren’t required by Georgia law for homeowners.

Should you have one? Strongly recommended if:

• Your home has had termites in the past
• You’re in a high-risk area (older wood-frame construction, crawlspace foundation, moist soil)
• You’re buying or selling a home (most mortgage lenders require a WDO inspection letter, and some require an active bond)
• You want peace of mind without worrying about re-treatment costs

We offer annual service agreements that function similarly to a termite bond, covering inspections, re-treatment if needed, and clear documentation for real estate transactions. Contact us to discuss what makes sense for your home.

Once a year is the standard recommendation for most Georgia homes, ideally timed before spring swarm season (February–April).

You should schedule an inspection sooner if:

• You’ve never had a professional termite inspection
• You’re buying or selling a home (a WDO inspection letter is typically required)
• You’ve noticed any potential signs, mud tubes, hollow wood, swarmers, or unexplained wood damage
• Your home has had termites previously, even if treated
• You have a crawlspace foundation, wood-to-soil contact, or a history of moisture problems

Georgia’s warm, humid climate makes northeast Georgia one of the higher-risk regions in the country for subterranean termites. Annual inspections are genuinely worth the time, and ours are free.

Schedule your free inspection →

In almost all cases, no. Standard homeowners insurance policies in Georgia exclude termite damage because it’s considered a preventable maintenance issue rather than a sudden, accidental event.

This makes termite prevention especially important, once damage occurs, you’re typically paying for repairs out of pocket. Termite repair costs in Georgia average $3,000–$10,000 for moderate infestations, and can run much higher for structural damage.

Some pest control service agreements (sometimes called “termite bonds”) do include damage repair coverage up to a certain dollar amount, this is worth asking about when comparing pest control providers.

The bottom line: a $500–$1,500 termite treatment is almost always far less expensive than the repairs you’d face without it. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.

Yes, it matters, mice and rats behave differently and require somewhat different approaches.

Signs of mice:

• Small droppings (like dark rice grains, ⅛–¼ inch)
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, baseboards, and wiring, smaller, neater holes
• Scratching sounds in walls, usually at night
• Nests made from shredded paper, insulation, or fabric in hidden areas

Signs of rats:

• Larger droppings (½–¾ inch, capsule-shaped)
• Larger gnaw marks and entry holes (quarter-sized or larger)
• Greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards where rats travel repeatedly
• Heavier sounds, thuds and running, rather than the light scurrying of mice
• Burrows in the ground near the foundation or under debris

The most common species in northeast Georgia:

• House mouse, the most common indoor rodent; very small, light brown/gray
• Deer mouse, common in rural areas; can carry hantavirus
• Norway rat, ground-dwelling, burrows, common near food sources
• Roof rat, climbs well, enters through the roofline, common in attics

Correct identification changes trap placement, bait selection, and where we focus exclusion work. Contact us for a free rodent inspection.

Permanent rodent control requires two things happening at the same time: removing the rodents already inside, and sealing the entry points so new ones can’t come in.

Step 1, Remove active rodents Snap traps placed along walls and in known activity areas are the most effective and humane method. We place them strategically based on where we find evidence of activity during the inspection.

Step 2, Exterior bait stations Tamper-resistant bait stations placed around the foundation intercept rodents before they reach the house. This is ongoing maintenance, not a one-time fix.

Step 3, Exclusion This is the most important and most often skipped step. We identify every entry point, gaps around pipes, worn door sweeps, foundation cracks, gaps at the roofline, and seal them with materials rodents can’t chew through (steel wool, metal flashing, hardware cloth).

Without exclusion, you’re dealing with an infinite supply problem. Northeast Georgia’s rural landscape means there’s no shortage of mice looking for a warm home in fall.

Contact us for a free rodent inspection and exclusion assessment.

This is an important question. Rodenticide bait is toxic to pets if accessed directly. We take several precautions:

• We use tamper-resistant bait stations that are physically designed to prevent pets and children from accessing the bait inside, only a rodent’s small body can reach it
• We place exterior stations away from areas where pets spend time
• We do not place open rodenticide inside homes with pets, interior control relies on snap traps

If your pet ingests rodenticide, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. The type of rodenticide matters for treatment, so bring the product packaging if possible.

As an alternative to rodenticide-based exterior stations, we can rely entirely on snap traps both inside and outside if you prefer, it’s slightly less convenient but completely eliminates any poison risk.

Tell us about your pets when you schedule and we’ll design the treatment accordingly.

For a typical house mouse infestation, most customers see dramatic improvement within 1–2 weeks of treatment. Here’s a realistic timeline:

• Days 1–3: Traps placed; catch rate is usually highest in the first few days
• Days 3–7: Activity noticeably decreasing; trap checks continue
• Weeks 1–2: Most active rodents captured; scratching sounds stop
• Week 2–3: Follow-up visit to confirm resolution and check for new activity

A larger infestation or one that’s been established for months may take 3–4 weeks to fully resolve. Exclusion work, sealing entry points, happens alongside trapping and is what prevents re-infestation.

One important note: you may hear more activity for the first day or two after traps are set as rodents investigate the new objects in their territory. This is normal and doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t working.

Contact us to get started, we respond the same day in most cases.

No, bed bugs have absolutely nothing to do with cleanliness. They don’t come in through cracks in the foundation or from outdoors. They travel exclusively as hitchhikers on people, luggage, clothing, and used furniture.

The most common ways bed bugs enter a home:

• Travel, hotel rooms, vacation rentals, even high-end ones. Bed bugs don’t discriminate by price point.
• Used furniture, upholstered sofas, chairs, mattresses, and bed frames purchased secondhand
• Guests, a visiting friend or family member who doesn’t know they have them
• College students returning home, dorms are common hotspots
• Shared laundry facilities, apartment complexes and laundromats
• Movie theaters, airplanes, and public transit, less common but documented

Bed bug infestations are found in pristine homes and five-star hotels. They’re an equal-opportunity pest. There’s no shame in having them, the important thing is addressing it quickly before the population grows.

Contact us confidentially for a free inspection →

Most infestations require 2 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart to fully eliminate bed bugs.

Here’s why: bed bug eggs are harder to kill than adults and nymphs. The first treatment kills all active bugs. Eggs that survived then hatch over the following 7–10 days. The second treatment catches those newly hatched nymphs before they can mature and reproduce.

A follow-up inspection at 2–3 weeks after the second treatment confirms the infestation is resolved.

Factors that may require additional treatments:

• A large infestation spread to multiple rooms
• Heavy clutter that limits access to harborage areas
• Incomplete preparation before treatment (following the prep checklist matters a lot)
• Certain apartment or multi-unit situations where re-infestation from adjacent units is possible

We’ll be straightforward with you about what to expect for your specific situation after our initial inspection. We don’t pad treatment schedules, if two treatments resolve it, that’s all we’ll recommend.

No, and we strongly advise against it. Discarding an infested mattress does more harm than good for several reasons:

1. It doesn’t solve the problem. Bed bugs live in your bed frame, headboard, baseboards, nightstands, and behind outlet covers, not just the mattress. Throwing out the mattress leaves the infestation intact.

2. Moving an infested mattress spreads bugs. Dragging it through your home deposits bugs along the route and in other rooms.

3. It’s expensive and unnecessary. A mattress encasement used after treatment seals any survivors inside (where they eventually die) and protects your mattress going forward.

What to do instead:

• Don’t move furniture or bedding out of the infested room before treatment, this spreads bugs
• Follow our pre-treatment preparation checklist (we provide this before every appointment)
• After treatment, encase your mattress and box spring in a quality bed bug-proof encasement

We’ve successfully treated countless mattresses and beds. In almost all cases, the mattress can be saved. Contact us for a free inspection.

Technically yes, practically, it rarely works, and often makes the problem significantly worse.

Why DIY bed bug treatment usually fails:

• Resistance, Bed bug populations in Georgia have developed strong resistance to the pyrethroid-class insecticides found in most over-the-counter sprays. Many populations are essentially immune to these products.

• Scatter effect, Spraying bed bugs causes them to scatter and hide deeper into walls, furniture voids, and adjacent rooms. An infestation that started in one bedroom can spread to the whole house after a failed DIY treatment.

• Missed harborage areas, Effective treatment requires reaching every harborage site: mattress seams, box spring interior, bed frame joints, behind outlet plates, inside nightstand drawers, and along all baseboards. Without knowing where to look and with limited product penetration, most DIY attempts miss critical areas.

• No egg kill, Most consumer products don’t effectively kill eggs. Without an IGR (insect growth regulator) to prevent hatched eggs from maturing, the infestation rebounds.

If you’ve already attempted DIY treatment, let us know, it changes our inspection approach and the products we select. We’ve resolved plenty of infestations that were made more complex by prior DIY attempts.

Contact us for a confidential free inspection →

Northeast Georgia’s mix of forested mountain land, farmland, and growing residential areas creates frequent wildlife conflicts. The most common calls we receive:

• Squirrels in attics, the most frequent wildlife call, especially from August through February. Gray squirrels and flying squirrels enter through gaps in the fascia, soffits, and gable vents.
• Raccoons, highly intelligent and strong. They tear back soffits, open vents, and den in attics, especially females raising young in late winter/spring. One of the most damaging wildlife intruders.
• Opossums, usually sheltering under decks, porches, or in crawlspaces. Largely harmless but worth removing.
• Groundhogs (woodchucks), common in yards bordering fields. Their burrows can undermine patios, decks, and foundations.
• Skunks, occasionally den under structures; become a serious issue when disturbed or threatened near dogs.
• Snakes, various species enter homes through gaps in the foundation. Most are non-venomous, but copperheads are present throughout our service area and should be handled professionally.

If you’re dealing with any of these, contact us for a free wildlife assessment.

Squirrel removal requires a specific sequence, doing it out of order makes the problem worse or more expensive.

1. Inspection first. We locate all entry points (not just the obvious one) and determine if young are present. Sealing the attic with squirrels still inside causes them to die in the walls, creating an odor problem that can last months.

2. Live trapping. We set live traps at or near entry points. Squirrels are territorial and will return to the same access point reliably, making trapping efficient. In Georgia, trapped squirrels must be released or euthanized per DNR regulations, they cannot be relocated long distances.

3. Exclusion after confirmed removal. Once we’ve confirmed all squirrels are out (including any young), we seal every entry point with materials they can’t chew through, metal flashing, hardware cloth, and foam backer. This is the permanent fix. Without it, new squirrels will simply move into the same entry points within weeks.

4. Assess damage. Squirrels chew wiring, HVAC ducting, and insulation. We’ll let you know if we see anything that needs an electrician’s attention.

Don’t wait on this one, squirrel-chewed wiring is a documented fire risk. Contact us for a free assessment.

Stay calm, most snakes found inside Georgia homes are non-venomous species like rat snakes, black racers, or corn snakes that entered following a rodent food source. That said, do not handle any snake you can’t positively identify.

Immediate steps:

1. Keep people and pets away from the snake and keep it in your line of sight if possible
2. If it’s in a single room, close the door and place a towel at the bottom gap to contain it
3. Do not try to grab or corner it, even non-venomous snakes bite when threatened
4. Call us and we’ll advise on next steps or dispatch to remove it

Venomous snakes in northeast Georgia: Copperheads are the most common venomous species in our area and are found throughout Hall, Habersham, White, and surrounding counties. Timber rattlesnakes are present in more rural and forested areas. If there’s any chance the snake is venomous, treat it as such and call a professional.

After removal: We’ll assess how the snake got in. A snake inside usually means there’s a gap somewhere in your foundation, around pipes, or at a crawlspace vent, and if a snake can get in, rodents can too. We’ll identify and seal the entry point.

Call or text us directly at (706) 754-6248 for urgent wildlife situations.

It depends on your policy and the specific situation, this is worth a call to your agent.

Generally covered:

• Sudden, accidental damage caused by wildlife in some policies (e.g., a tree-sized branch falling through the roof and animals entering)
• Some policies cover damage repair caused by wildlife that gained entry

Generally NOT covered:

• The cost of wildlife removal itself (trapping, exclusion)
• Gradual damage, insulation contamination, accumulated feces, long-term chewing damage
• Rodent damage (most policies explicitly exclude rodents)

Raccoons are the most likely case where insurance may partially apply, since they can cause substantial sudden structural damage tearing into soffits and attics.

Our recommendation: call your agent and describe the specific situation before assuming coverage. We can provide documentation of the damage and entry points for your claim if needed.

Wildlife removal and exclusion costs vary by situation, contact us for a free assessment and we’ll give you a clear written estimate.

Pricing depends on the service, the size of your home, and the severity of the situation. General ranges for common services:

Service	Typical Range
One-time general pest treatment	$125–$250
Quarterly maintenance plan (per visit)	$85–$150
Termite inspection	Free
Termite liquid treatment	$500–$1,500
Rodent inspection + initial treatment	$150–$300
Bed bug treatment (per room)	$250–$500
Wildlife removal (per animal)	$150–$350+

These are ranges, your actual quote may be higher or lower depending on your specific property. We always inspect first and provide a written quote before any work begins. No surprises.

We also offer senior and military discounts. Contact us for a free inspection and exact pricing for your situation.

Yes. We offer discounts for:

• Senior citizens (65+)
• Active military and veterans
• First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS)

We also offer reduced per-visit rates for customers on quarterly or bi-monthly maintenance plans compared to one-time treatment pricing.

Just mention your discount when you call or fill out the contact form and we’ll apply it to your quote. We appreciate your service, and we’re honored to keep your home pest-free.

Get in touch →

Our quarterly maintenance plan covers four treatments per year (approximately every 90 days) and includes:

• Exterior perimeter treatment, liquid barrier around the foundation targeting ants, roaches, spiders, and other crawling insects
• Entry point inspection, we check for new gaps, cracks, or conditions that could allow pests in
• Interior treatment if needed, on any visit where you’re seeing activity inside, we treat interior areas at no extra charge
• Free re-service, if pests return between scheduled visits, we come back at no additional cost
• Seasonal adjustments, we adjust product selection and application areas based on what’s active that time of year (overwintering pest focus in fall, spring ant pressure, etc.)

What’s not included by default: Termite treatment, wildlife removal, and bed bug treatment are separate services. However, plan customers receive a discount on add-on services.

Contact us for a quote →

No, standard homeowners insurance policies in Georgia do not cover pest control services or the damage caused by most insects and rodents. Insurance companies classify pest infestations as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, accidental event.

Notable exceptions to be aware of:

• Some policies cover sudden structural damage caused by wildlife (raccoons tearing into an attic, for example), check your policy
• A small number of premium policies include limited pest damage coverage, worth asking your agent
• Termite damage is almost universally excluded

The practical implication: pest control is an out-of-pocket expense. The good news is that preventive pest control, typically $85–$150 per quarterly visit, costs a small fraction of what you’d pay to repair damage from an unchecked infestation. A termite treatment costs $500–$1,500; repairing termite damage averages $3,000–$8,000+.

Think of pest control like changing your oil, routine maintenance that prevents a far more expensive problem.

Get a quote for your home →

We serve homes and businesses across northeast Georgia, including:

• Hall County, Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch, Murrayville, Lula
• Habersham County, Cornelia, Clarkesville, Demorest, Alto, Baldwin, Mount Airy
• Stephens County, Toccoa, Martin
• White County, Cleveland, Helen, Sautee Nacoochee, Unicoi
• Banks County, Homer, Commerce, Maysville
• Franklin County, Carnesville, Lavonia, Canon, Royston
• Hart County, Hartwell, Bowersville
• Lumpkin County, Dahlonega, Auraria

Not sure if we cover your area? Call or text us at (706) 754-6248, if we can get to you safely, we will. We know these roads and communities well and regularly serve properties in unincorporated areas between towns.

See our full service area page →

Yes. A significant portion of our customer base is rural, farms, mountain cabins, properties on dirt roads, homes on large acreage. We don’t limit service to subdivisions or town limits.

Rural properties in northeast Georgia tend to face higher pest pressure than suburban homes, more field edge exposure means more rodents, and more forested land means more wildlife activity. We’re familiar with the specific pest challenges that come with acreage, agricultural land, and mountain properties.

For rural customers, we commonly address:

• Rodent control along field edges and in outbuildings
• Wildlife exclusion for barns and storage structures
• Fire ant mound treatment across larger properties
• Termite inspection for older farmhouses and outbuildings

If you’re unsure whether we travel to your area, just call, we’re based locally and know the roads. (706) 754-6248

Yes, both Helen (White County) and Dahlonega (Lumpkin County) are within our regular service area.

Helen and the surrounding Sautee Nacoochee valley sit along the Chattahoochee River headwaters. The area’s combination of mountain terrain, river bottomland, and tourist cabin rentals brings specific pest challenges:

• Bed bug risk is elevated in short-term rental properties (Airbnb, VRBO, vacation cabins)
• Wildlife activity is high, raccoons, squirrels, and the occasional black bear are common
• Termites are active in the older structures throughout the valley

Dahlonega and the surrounding Lumpkin County mountain communities see similar conditions, plus high rodent activity along the rural property edges common to that area.

We serve both communities regularly. Contact us or call (706) 754-6248 to schedule.