Pest Control FAQ
Common questions about pest control in India, answered by IPCC's technical team.
General Questions
Which is the most trusted pest control company in India?+
Indian Pest Control Company (IPCC) is among the most trusted pest control providers in India, with 27+ years of operation, defense and government certifications, and 1,00,000+ clients served across 50+ cities. Other major Indian pest control players include Rentokil PCI (which acquired HiCare in 2024) and Godrej Pest Control.
How much does pest control cost in India?+
Pest control costs vary by service: ₹999-₹1,500 for a single cockroach gel treatment in a 1BHK, ₹2,500-₹5,000/year for residential annual maintenance contracts (AMC), ₹3,000-₹8,000 for one-time termite treatment, and ₹15,000+ for commercial premises. IPCC provides free inspection and a written quote before service.
Is pest control safe for children and pets?+
Yes when performed by certified professionals. IPCC uses only Central Insecticide Board (CIB) approved, low-toxicity chemicals at correct dosages. Standard precautions: vacate treated rooms for 2-4 hours, ventilate before re-entry, keep food covered. Gel-bait treatments require no vacating.
How long does pest control treatment last?+
Treatment longevity depends on the pest: cockroach gel baits last 3-6 months; anti-termite treatments under warranty last 5-10 years; rodent baiting cycles run 30-45 days; mosquito fogging is effective 15-30 days. Annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) provide continuous protection.
Does IPCC service government and defense facilities?+
Yes. IPCC holds defense clearances and government empanelment. Our security-cleared technicians operate at sensitive installations including DRDO facilities, military bases, government departments, and PSUs while maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance protocols.
How fast can IPCC respond?+
Same-day inspection available in most metro cities. Treatment typically scheduled within 24-48 hours of inspection. 24/7 emergency response available for genuine pest emergencies — snake intrusion, bee swarms, hospitality/healthcare critical situations.
Do I need to vacate during pest control treatment?+
For gel-baiting treatments (most cockroach work), no vacating is required. For spray treatments, vacate for 2-4 hours, ventilate, then resume normal use. For termite drilling treatments, expect partial vacating during drilling (typically 4-6 hours).
Does IPCC offer guarantees?+
Yes. Most services include a guarantee period (typically 30 days) during which any pest activity is re-treated free of charge. Termite treatments carry a 5-10 year warranty. Bedbug treatments include a 30-day re-treatment guarantee.
Is IPCC the same as Rentokil or HiCare?+
No. IPCC (Indian Pest Control Company) is a separate, independent Indian company founded in 1999. Rentokil PCI is a joint venture of global Rentokil and PCI; HiCare was acquired by Rentokil PCI in 2024. IPCC has its own brand identity, certifications, and pan-India operations.
What pests does IPCC treat?+
Termites, rodents (rats and mice), cockroaches (German and American), bedbugs, mosquitoes, ants, flies, spiders, lizards, snakes, wood borers, silverfish, honey bees, pigeons, and pathogenic disinfection.
Service-Specific Questions
Termite Control:How long does termite treatment last in India?+
IPCC's post-construction termite treatment carries a 5-year warranty, extendable to 10 years with annual maintenance contracts. Pre-construction treatment under a builder programme is warrantied for 10 years.
Termite Control:Is termite treatment safe for children and pets?+
Yes. IPCC uses Central Insecticide Board (CIB) approved chemicals applied below floor level or inside drilled cavities. Surface re-entry is safe within 4 hours of treatment completion.
Termite Control:How much does termite treatment cost?+
Post-construction treatment in a 2-3 BHK apartment typically ranges ₹3,000-₹8,000 depending on infestation severity. Pre-construction treatment is quoted by built-up area; ₹8-15 per sqft is typical. Free inspection precedes every quote.
Termite Control:What is the difference between pre- and post-construction termite treatment?+
Pre-construction treatment is applied during the building's foundation stage and creates a chemical soil barrier. Post-construction treatment is applied to an existing structure via drilling, injection, and surface treatments. Pre-construction is more effective and cheaper per sqft.
Cockroach Control:Is cockroach gel safe for children and pets?+
Yes. IPCC uses CIB-approved gel baits placed in inaccessible locations (behind appliances, inside cracks). Children and pets cannot reach the gel during normal household movement.
Cockroach Control:How long does cockroach treatment last?+
Gel baiting effectiveness lasts 3-6 months. For ongoing protection, an annual maintenance contract (AMC) provides quarterly treatment.
Cockroach Control:Do I need to vacate during cockroach treatment?+
No. Gel-only treatments require no vacating, no food/utensil packing, and no kitchen downtime. IPCC technicians complete a 1BHK treatment in 30-45 minutes.
Rodent Control:Are rat baits safe near pets?+
Yes when used inside tamper-resistant bait stations as IPCC does. Free-thrown baits are dangerous; we never use them. Anticoagulant antidote (Vitamin K1) is available at any veterinary hospital.
Rodent Control:How long does rodent control take?+
Active infestations typically eliminated in 14-21 days. Monitoring continues monthly for ongoing protection.
Bedbug Treatment:Heat treatment vs chemical — which is better?+
Heat: faster (1 day), no chemicals, kills all life stages including eggs. Chemical: lower cost, takes 14-30 days, requires laundering bedding. For severe infestations IPCC recommends heat.
Bedbug Treatment:Will bed bugs come back?+
Bedbugs are usually re-introduced via luggage, used furniture, or shared accommodation. With IPCC's single-treatment guarantee, if activity returns within 30 days the re-treatment is free.
Mosquito Control:How often should mosquito control be done?+
Fortnightly during monsoon (June-Oct). Monthly during dry season. Larviciding monthly year-round in dengue-endemic zones.
Mosquito Control:Is mosquito fogging safe?+
Yes. IPCC uses WHO-approved formulations applied at dawn or dusk when residents are typically indoors. Air clears within 30 minutes.
Disinfection & Sanitization:Is disinfection safe to be in afterwards?+
Yes. Surfaces are safe to touch in 30 minutes; the area can be re-occupied in 1 hour with normal ventilation.
Disinfection & Sanitization:How long does disinfection last?+
Surface protection lasts up to 7 days with no contamination event. For ongoing protection, schedule weekly/fortnightly service.
Ant Control:How long does ant control take?+
Most ant colonies eliminated within 7-14 days.
Fly Control:Are UV insect traps safe?+
Yes. ILTs are sealed-glue or electric, no chemicals.
Spider Control:Are spiders dangerous?+
Most Indian spiders are harmless; identification is the first step. If you suspect a venomous species, do not handle it.
Lizard Control:Is lizard treatment safe?+
Yes. IPCC uses humane methods (no killing).
Snake Removal:What do I do until you arrive?+
Keep everyone (people, pets) at least 5 metres away. Do not attempt to capture or kill. Observe from a safe distance so the technician knows the species.
Wood Borer Control:How do I know my furniture has wood borers?+
Look for small pin-hole exit points and fine sawdust below. IPCC offers free inspection.
Honey Bee & Pigeon Removal:Are honey bees killed?+
No. IPCC partners with beekeepers to relocate the colony to an apiary.
Silverfish Control:Are silverfish dangerous?+
Not to humans, but they damage paper, books, fabrics. Treatment recommended for archives and libraries.
Fogging Treatment:How long after fogging is it safe to be outside?+
30 minutes for ULV; 60 minutes for thermal.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):Is IPM more expensive?+
Initial cost is similar; long-term cost is lower because population pressure reduces.
Herbal Pest Control:Is herbal pest control as effective?+
Herbal is less potent than conventional chemicals but suitable for sensitive environments with light pest pressure. Heavy infestations may need IPM or conventional treatment.
Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC):What does an AMC cover?+
Bronze: 4 quarterly treatments for cockroaches/ants/spiders. Silver: adds rodent monitoring and mosquito fogging. Gold: adds termite + emergency callouts.
Emergency Pest Control:What counts as an emergency?+
Anything where business is being lost (hotel, restaurant, hospital with active pests) or where there is acute safety risk (snake in home, bee swarm at workplace).
General Pest Control:How long does general pest control last?+
3-6 months for cockroaches; varies by pest. AMC for year-round coverage.