FAQs
CATEGORIES
General
Why is Turner the best choice for my pest control needs?
We know you have plenty of choices for pest control services, so with every visit, we work hard to provide you with the best possible service, using the latest, most effective methods and products to keep your family safe. We also do more than just give you our word that you’ll be satisfied with our service: We are committed to customer satisfaction. If you’re ever dissatisfied, we will return at no charge until you’re happy with our service.
Our goal is to make pest control as simple for you as possible: We never ask you to sign long, complicated contracts, and you can cancel our services at any time with no cancellation fees. You can depend on our appointment times, choose from flexible plans that fit your needs and budget, and have peace of mind knowing that each of our expert technicians have passed stringent background checks.
Who is Turner Pest Control?
Turner has been in business for 50 years now. Over the decades, we’ve built a team of extensively trained, professional technicians and established branch locations to make using our services more convenient for customers throughout Florida.
We’re designated as a Quality Pro Certified company, a distinction earned by less than 3 percent of pest control providers in the country and one that ensures you’re receiving services from a provider who has proven its excellence. Our excellent customer service has earned us the Angie’s List Super Service Award for two consecutive years, and were honored to receive the 2017 “People Love Us On Yelp” Award for outstanding high ratings and positive reviews.
The Turner Pest Control team is also actively involved in supporting efforts to improve the communities in which we live and work. Visit our About Us page for more about our sponsorships, volunteering, and company history.
Why should I hire a professional pest control company?
While do-it-yourself pest control products can kill the pests you can see, they’re not effective at preventing re-infestations or reaching the pests you cannot see. Improperly handled, over-the-counter products can also be harmful to you, your family, and your pets. Managing specific or persistent pest problems require time and expertise, which few home- or business owners have.
When you hire a professional pest control company such as Turner, you get much more than a quick solution to your pest problems: You get the services of experienced technicians who are trained in the safe application and handling of treatment products, who know how to identify the sources of difficult pest problems, and who have the skills and knowledge to prevent pests from coming back.
What should I look for in a pest control provider?
Cost-conscious homeowners know that price matters, but it’s not the most important factor when choosing any type of company. You may find a provider who charges very little, but who also delivers little in return. Instead, look for the right combination of value and quality.
To determine value when comparing pest control companies, make sure you thoroughly understand each company’s contract, including exactly what they will do, how they will do it, and any guarantees they say they offer. Ask if the company is properly insured, licensed and qualified, and whether it belongs to pest management trade associations on a local, state, or national basis. Also ask if their employees have passed background checks and what level of training their technicians have.
Look for a company that has been in business in your community for a long time, and find out how satisfied customers are with the company’s service by asking for references and checking online reviews.
At Turner Pest Control, our technicians have up-to-the-minute training in the latest, safest, and most effective pest control methods, and our pricing is based on the size of your home or yard. We also offer flexible plans and a range of affordable recurring services for the right balance of quality and value.
Why do I need a home inspection before I can get a price quote?
Our residential pest control services are priced according to the specific services you need to take care of your unique pest problems and according to the size of your home and/or yard. In order to give you an accurate price quote, our technician will come to your home to perform a free, no-obligation inspection. He or she will then recommend a plan that will take care of any immediate issues and prevent future infestations, answer all of your questions, and give you a price quote that meets your needs.
Is your pest control service safe for my family and pets?
All of our pest control products are environmentally friendly. We also offer organic pest control product options, if that is what you would prefer to use. Additionally, our technicians receive ongoing training to ensure we are providing your service in the safest and most up to date manner. Each service is individually tailored to your specific needs.
What dangers do insects, rodents, and other pests pose to my family?
The health issues range from minor bites to life-threatening viruses:
- The debris roaches leave behind can cause asthma attacks and they can spread Salmonella and bacterial diseases that cause diarrhea.
- Rodents are known to transmit more than 35 diseases, including food-borne illnesses, Hantavirus, and plague.
- Fire ants can cause dangerous reactions in people who are allergic to them.
- Mosquitoes can transmit a number of serious disease-causing viruses, including Zika and West Nile, as well as malaria and some types of encephalitis.
The integrity of your home’s structure can also be threatened by pests:
- Termites cause billions of dollars’ worth of damage in the U.S. In our area, Formosan termites are a particular threat due to the sheer size of their populations.
- Rodents are notorious for chewing: Not only can they damage wood and other materials in your home; they can also chew threw the insulation on cables and electrical wiring, which can lead to a fire.
What are the most common household pests in our area?
Our warm, temperate climate make Florida the perfect home for many types of pests. The ones we see most often in our customers’ homes and businesses are ants, spiders, termites, fleas, ticks, roaches, earwigs, silverfish, and millipedes.
How quickly can Turner come to my home?
We can usually schedule your appointment within 24 hours of when you contact us if you have an urgent need. Otherwise, we can make an appointment with you at a time convenient for your schedule.
Will I feel secure with Turner’s technicians in my home?
Absolutely: Each of our technicians has passed a stringent background test and Turner is a drug-free workplace. In addition, Turner is QualityPro certified, a designation that is awarded to only a few pest control providers nationwide and that means you are receiving services from a provider whose excellence is proven.
Do I need to be home when you come out for service or leave afterward?
You do not need to be home unless we are treating your home’s interior. You may stay while we provide service unless we are applying flea treatment products. For lawn service, we ask that you keep children and pets off the lawn until it’s thoroughly dried.
Why should I have recurring service if I don’t see pests in my house?
One of the most important parts of keeping your home or business free of pests is taking preventive measures. During your regularly scheduled service appointments, our technicians check for early signs of infestations and immediately address any problems they find. Because the populations of so many types of Florida’s pests can quickly get out of control, it’s critical to have regular inspections.
Can I get just a one-time treatment?
You can have a one-time treatment to take care of pests you can see, but it won’t have any effect on pest populations that may be hidden and taking a foothold in your home. In addition, solving a serious pest problem may be costly.
What are the signs of pest infestation?
Seeing insects is just one sign that a problem may exist. Less obvious signs include their waste, body parts, and damage to paper goods such as boxes. When our technicians inspect your property during regularly scheduled service calls, they look for additional signs that pests are active and will recommend a plan to take care of your specific problem.
What makes your SMART TurnerGuard program stand out?
SMART TurnerGuard is the most comprehensive pest control plan available. We created it to give customers a plan that covers a broad range of pests, including termites, bed bugs, rodents and more, at an affordable price and with no hidden costs or exclusions. SMART TurnerGuard combines our expert termite and pest control services to give you a great value on the ultimate protection for your home.
Billing
Do I have to pay monthly if I receive service three times per year?
For your convenience, we have two ways to pay: monthly or per service (three times a year).
Can I pay my bill online? How does your online customer portal work?
The customer portal on our website makes it easy for you to pay online. To gain access, please go to the “Customer Portal” link at the top of the web page. On the next screen, click the link that says “Request Access.”
Once you’ve set up your online account, you’ll be able to:
- View recent service reports, including inspection reports
- View upcoming services
- Reschedule upcoming services
- View billing details
- View open conditions and recommendations
- Request service or ask us a question
- Set up email alerts
- Manage all of your account information
Pest Control
Why do you provide service only three times a year?
Nearly all of the pest problems you’ll see in your home begin outside, so we focus our treatment programs there, using products that have a residual effect for about four months. Should an interior problem arise, we will gladly come out on a free service call to take care of the issue, and will then resume our proactive exterior services.
Since Florida’s pest problems are more severe than in most other areas of the country, once-a-year pest control is not sufficient. Conversely, treatment services provided more often than three times per year are not necessary with high-quality materials applied by expert professionals.
Why do you not treat the interior of my home on every service appointment?
This is one of the advantages of regularly scheduled service: Once the interior of your home has been treated on our initial visit, our exterior treatments prevent pests from ever coming inside. If, however, you see pests in your home, please let us know and we will schedule an appointment to treat your home’s interior.
Do you charge for coming back out if I’m still having pest problems?
No! We will gladly return between regularly scheduled visits at no additional cost to take care of any problems you may notice.
Do you handle wildlife removal problems?
Yes, Turner Pest Control handles wildlife removal problems in all of our Florida locations.
At Turner Pest Control, we understand that wildlife encounters can be unsettling and pose potential risks to your property and family. That's why we offer professional wildlife removal services throughout all of our locations in Florida
Lawn and Outdoor
Why don’t you give quotes for lawn and outdoor service over the phone?
As with our residential pest control services, lawn and outdoor service is priced according to the size of your lawn as well as according to the specific services you need. Everyone’s needs are different, so a visit from our technician ensures you get only the services you need and never pay too much.
Do your lawn and outdoor services include extermination of fire ants?
Treatment of fire ants is separate from our lawn service. We do offer optional fire ant treatment, however, and will be happy to provide you with an estimate for this service.
What products do you apply to my lawn?
Our comprehensive lawn and outdoor services may include the application of products that fertilize your lawn, manage broad leaf and grassy weeds, treat fungus, and optimize your turf. The exact list of products we may use on your lawn depend upon your specific needs.
How long do your weed treatments take to work?
There are several factors that affect how quickly treatments work, including how severe your weed problem is. Generally, the healthier your lawn is, the faster you will see results.
What pests and services does your lawn and outdoor service include?
Please visit our Compare Our Services page.
Why must I have an irrigation system to be able to get your lawn service?
Proper watering is key to lush, healthy lawns. The long growing season and types of lawn grasses most commonly seen in our area require the even, regular watering that irrigation systems provide. In our experience, watering by hand or moving hose-attached sprinklers around the yard are not as effective.
Is my lawn safe for children and pets after you’ve treated it?
Until lawn treatment products have completely dried, keep children and pets off the area.
I have moles, even though I have your lawn and outdoor service. Why?
Our treatments will help minimize issues with moles, but moles move in unpredictable ways from one lawn or property to another. We will provide specific treatment if needed.
Termites
What are termites? Are there different kinds?
Termite are small, soft-bodied insects that live in large colonies and feed on wood, including timber and the wood in structures. The three major types are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood. As their names imply, subterranean termites usually live in soil; drywood termites prefer very dry wood; and dampwood termites prefer wet wood, such as in forested areas.
Are there any types of termites Turner doesn’t cover?
Turner does not offer a warranty on drywood termites, but we can spot-treat them. If you have a severe drywood termite problem, we will refer you to drywood termite treatment professionals.
Do I definitely have damage if I see termites?
The presence of termites alone is not a definitive indicator of whether damage has been done. Determining if your home has been damaged requires an inspection. If you suspect you have termites, Turner offers a free, no-obligation inspection.
How can I identify termites and when will I see them swarm?
It’s easy to mistake termites for flying ants. Both have four wings, but termite wings are uniform in size while flying ants have larger wings in the front. Generally, termites range from ¼ to ½ an inch long and are pale in color.
Each species has its own swarming season, but in general, spring is primetime for termites. Formosan subterranean termites, the most destructive type, are seen in spring and swarm at night. Contact us immediately if you notice swarming termites.
How much property damage can termites do?
Termites do billions of dollars’ worth of damage in the U.S. every year. They eat nonstop, around the clock, so large populations can quickly damage wood and threaten the integrity of your home’s structure. The good news is that Turner’s comprehensive termite control services can take care of existing colonies and prevent their return.
Is there anything I can do to prevent termites?
The key to termite prevention is reducing or getting rid of the moisture that termites need. Take steps to reduce the humidity levels in your crawl space and attic; divert water away from your home’s foundations with gutters; and fix leaks coming from pipes, faucets, and your outdoor AC unit. You should also get rid of roots or tree trunks, wood stakes, or old form boards that are close to your home. Regularly inspect your home’s foundations for termite damage signs.
How can termites be controlled?
This is one area of pest control that homeowners should not attempt on their own. Licensed pest control professionals have the experience, extensive training, technology and products required to effectively control termites populations and protect your home.
What types of treatment is the most effective against termites?
Our experience shows that a liquid treatment is most effective. It’s invisible to the termites and they pass through to the colony, eliminating it quickly.
Does Turner do wood destroying organism (WDO) reports?
We do not do WDOs. These are typically done by home inspectors.
Bed Bugs
Why are bed bug problems so persistent?
These tiny pests are elusive, hardy, and always on the move. The cleanliness of a dwelling has nothing to do with attracting bed bugs or preventing them from getting in. Bed bugs have continued to adapt to human environments and can thrive in a wide range of temperature and many types of conditions.
How can I prevent bedbug infestations?
Bed bugs will take any opportunity to hitch a ride into your home on luggage, furniture, and other soft goods such as clothing. When traveling, put a plastic trash bag or other protective covering on your luggage while you’re in a hotel and keep your suitcases off of the bed. Check hotel bedding, box springs and mattresses for tiny, pepper-like stains when you arrive, and thoroughly inspect all of your belongings before bringing them inside when you get home. Also inspect any used furniture or clothing you’ve acquired before you bring it inside.
Why are bed bugs most often a problem in hotels and homes?
Once indoors, these pests quickly spread from room to room in homes or hotels, traveling through pipes, on luggage and clothing, and even in vacuum cleaners. Because they can live for months without eating, they can be very difficult to control.
Are bed bugs only found in beds?
Definitely not! They can be found virtually anywhere, not only in soft goods such as beds and furniture, but also behind electrical outlets and in crevices along baseboards.
What can Turner do to control bed bugs?
Our comprehensive bed bug control services begin with a close inspection of your home and all of the spots we know they may hide. Once our technician understands the nature of your bed bug problem, you’ll be provided with a plan to treat and control it and a detailed estimate.
Can bed bugs make me or my family sick?
Bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans, but their bites can cause itchy welts that may become infected if scratched.
If I don’t have bed bugs right now, does Turner have a program that covers them?
Yes. Our SMART TurnerGuard Termite and Pest Control plan provides all-in-one pest protection which includes bed bug extermination and control.
Mosquitoes
What types of health threats do mosquitoes pose?
Mosquitoes are some of the most dangerous threats to humans on the planet and can spread diseases at an alarming rate. These diseases include the Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, and more.
How does Turner treat mosquito problems?
Turner uses ultra-low volume (ULV) treatments that are applied via backpack mister. We carefully apply fast-acting, long-lasting barriers sprays, concentrating on the undersides of foliage in shady areas where mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs. In addition to recurring mosquito control service—which you can pause during winter months when these pests are less active—we also offer affordable one-time treatments if you’ve planned an outdoor activity.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the risks from mosquitoes?
There are several steps you can take to keep mosquito populations lower. These include eliminating every source of standing water, no matter how small. Change out water in bird baths frequently, keep vegetation and trash away from any standing water sources that cannot be changed out, stay indoors around dusk and dawn, and make sure screens on doors and windows are in good repair and well sealed. When outdoors, stay covered up with long sleeves and pants, and use repellents on exposed skin.
Specific Pest Health Threats
How can pests affect my child’s asthma?
Anything that cockroaches leave behind—droppings, saliva, or their decomposing bodies—have allergen proteins in them. These are known to make asthma symptoms more severe, particularly in children, and trigger allergies.
Can professional pest control help alleviate asthma symptoms?
Yes. Our comprehensive residential pest control services include inspecting your home for pests that pose health threats, eliminating active pests, and preventing new infestations.
Do rodents and roaches aggravate allergies?
These pests leave allergens behind via “frass,” or carcasses, feces and more. Note that after controlling pests in your home, the frass that remains is still an allergen, so we remove that as well as the pests.
Commercial Pest Control Services
Does Turner offer commercial pest control services?
Yes. Turner is a leader in providing commercial pest control and you can learn more about it here.
What other commercial services do you offer?
Turner offers lawn and termite control, fly control, and removal of birds, bats and wildlife from commercial properties.
What industries does Turner serve?
Turner provides expert pest control services to businesses of all types and sizes and in a range of industries, including:
- Education
- Property management
- Manufacturing, warehousing and distribution
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Restaurants
- Recreation
Builders/New Homes
I am building a new home. Do you offer termite pre-treatments?
We do! Turner has provided pre-treatments for homebuilders for more than forty years in the Jacksonville area and also offer this service to individuals who are building new homes.
What type of pre-treatments does Turner do?
We will be glad to provide a free estimate for the pre-treatment of whole houses, remodeled homes, swimming pools, add-ons and more.
Is a termite treatment required when building a brand-new house?
Yes. The state of Florida requires termite treatments for all new home construction.