Pest Control Questions, Answered
What High Desert homeowners ask us most, answered straight.
Common questions
Why should I use a professional pest control company instead of DIY sprays?+
Store-bought sprays only kill the bugs you can see and often scatter colonies — especially ants — making the problem worse. Professional treatment targets the nests, harborage points, and entry gaps with products and methods built for High Desert pests, and it's backed by follow-up so the problem actually goes away and stays away.
Why do regular, recurring services work better than a one-time treatment?+
A single treatment knocks down what's there now, but new pests are always pushing in from the surrounding desert, and eggs hatch on their own schedule. Recurring service keeps a fresh protective barrier around your home so pests never get a foothold — and you get free re-treats between visits if anything slips through.
Is your pest control safe for my kids and pets?+
Yes. We use professional products applied at label rates and place treatments in the right spots — cracks, voids, and exterior perimeters — to keep them away from the areas your family and pets use. We'll always let you know if there's any short dry-time to wait through after a treatment.
How much does pest control cost in the High Desert?+
It depends on the size of your home, the pests involved, and whether you choose recurring or one-time service — recurring plans cost less per visit and include free spot treatments. The best way to get an exact number is a quick free quote: call us or send a message and we'll give you straightforward pricing with no runaround.
How often should my home be serviced?+
Most High Desert homes do best on a bimonthly (every other month) or quarterly schedule. Bimonthly is the strongest defense against tough pests like scorpions and ants; quarterly works well for general prevention. We'll recommend the right fit when we see your home.
Are you licensed?+
Yes. Crusader Pest Control holds California pest control license #10171, and our work is regulated by the California Structural Pest Control Board. We use products registered by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and the U.S. EPA, applied at label rates.
Do you offer one-time pest control?+
Yes. A one-time treatment covers common household pests like ants, spiders, cockroaches, wasps, silverfish, earwigs and crickets, and if they come back within 30 days, we re-treat free. Recurring service costs less per visit and keeps the free re-treats going year-round.
What isn't covered by regular pest service?+
Termites and other wood-destroying pests, bed bugs, fleas, and wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, opossums and birds aren't part of regular service. Bed bugs are treated as their own job with a free quote, and we'll always tell you if something falls outside your plan.
Do you service rental properties and businesses?+
Yes. We service homes, rental properties and businesses such as offices, shops and restaurants. For a rental, we can coordinate service directly with your tenant.
Do you treat scorpions?+
Yes — scorpions are one of the most common High Desert pests we handle. They take a layered, consistent approach: treating block walls and landscaping harborage, knocking down the insects they feed on, and sealing entry gaps. Recurring service is what really keeps scorpions in check.
What areas do you serve?+
We're locally owned and based in Apple Valley, serving Victorville, Hesperia, Oak Hills, Adelanto, Phelan, Piñon Hills, Spring Valley Lake, Lucerne Valley, Helendale, Oro Grande, Barstow and Silverwood, and the surrounding High Desert. If you're nearby and don't see your town, give us a call — we likely cover you.
Questions about specific pests and services
Get a Free Inspection
Tell us what's bugging you and we'll come take a look — usually same day. We inspect first, then give you a straight price. No pressure, no runaround.
- 1. Contact
- 2. Property
- 3. Service
- 4. Done