Quarterly Residential Pest Service

Purpose

Define the standard quarterly perimeter + interior pest service for residential customers on a recurring contract. Quarterly cadence aligns with the lifecycle of most common pests (ants, spiders, roaches, occasional invaders) - long enough to be cost-effective, short enough that no infestation establishes between visits.

Scope

Applies to:

• Single-family residential homes (most common)
• Townhouses and condos with private exterior perimeter
• Recurring quarterly contracts (separate cadences exist for monthly / bi-monthly add-ons)

Excludes specialized treatments (termite, bed bug, rodent exclusion, mosquito) which are dedicated SOPs with different scope and chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Dispatcher confirms pet status + any chemical-sensitivity flags at booking
• Lead technician runs the protocol; communicates with the customer before and after
• Customer is briefed on pet re-entry timing + any flagged interior issues

Procedure

1. Customer briefing. "I'm going to spray a 3-foot perimeter around the foundation, treat around doors and windows, and treat interior trouble spots if you've noticed any. Pets should stay inside until the exterior dries - about 30 minutes."
2. Walk the perimeter. Note any conducive conditions: standing water, leaf litter against the foundation, wood piles within 20 feet, mulch deeper than 2", visible entry gaps. Photograph each for the field report.
3. Inspect the eaves, soffits, and ridge. Wasp nests, spider webs, mud-dauber activity. Knock down active nests when present; spray residual to deter return.
4. Apply perimeter treatment. Liquid residual product per the label rate, 3-foot band along the foundation, into expansion cracks, around utility penetrations. Use a backpack sprayer at low pressure to minimize drift.
5. Granular bait broadcast in landscaping beds and along the drip line. Label rate; don't broadcast onto turf the customer wants to keep insect-friendly (e.g. pollinator gardens).
6. Door + window frame treatment. Crack-and-crevice spray around each exterior entry point.
7. Interior treatment (if requested or warranted). Kitchen + bath crack-and-crevice, especially under appliances and behind toe-kicks. NO broadcast spraying indoors - that's an outdated practice that exposes the family without controlling pests.
8. Bait stations. Replenish any active stations; relocate any that have been pet-disturbed.
9. Document everything. Photo of every treated area, label of every chemical used + EPA reg #, signed acknowledgement of the customer briefing.

Acceptance Criteria

• All four sides of the home treated within the 3-foot perimeter band
• All exterior entry points treated
• Bait stations checked and replenished
• No pets in the treated exterior area
• Customer signs the field report; the day's chemical labels are in the file
• Field report includes any conducive conditions flagged for follow-up

References

• EPA FIFRA pesticide labeling regulations (40 CFR Part 156)
• State-specific applicator licensing requirements