Quest Termite & Pest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and why is it a concern to people?

The coronavirus that is responsible for the current worldwide crisis is a specific strain, designated SARSCoV-2. Symptoms of the infectious disease, called COVID-19, are similar to those of the common cold or flu but are more severe. High fever, cough, and difficulty breathing are most commonly reported. Learn more in the article, Questions and Answers about Coronavirus and COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 be spread through food?

According to the FDA, there is no evidence that eating food contaminated with coronavirus particles can transmit the disease. However, it cannot be completely ruled out since fecal contamination has been reported as a suspected transmission route in a few cases. Studies on other respiratory viruses have demonstrated low survival rates on food and packaging materials during shipping or storage under a wide range of conditions. More research is needed to understand all possible mechanisms for disease transmission, and we are monitoring the scientific literature for new and relevant information.

What is the primary way that COVID-19 is spread?

Because COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, the main route for passing it on to others is through virus-containing droplets that are generated during coughing and sneezing. These particles can float for many hours in the air and eventually be inhaled or settle onto surfaces. However, an infection can also occur by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, eyes, or nose. For these reasons, everyone should take action to keep themselves healthy and to prevent others from becoming ill.

What are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus and through good hygiene practices. Learn more in the article, Questions and Answers about Coronavirus and COVID-19.

What does social distancing mean and how is it different than isolation and quarantine?

Isolation refers to the separation of sick individuals from individuals who are not sick. Quarantine refers to the separation and restriction of movement of people who have been in contact with an infected individual. Social distancing applies to all individuals, sick or not, infected or not. Learn more in the article, COVID-19 and Social Distancing.

Services for

Disinfectant

As the coronavirus pandemic has swept the world, Quest Termite & Pest (Quest) actively reviewed and adhered to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These recommendations require the implementation of more stringent hygiene protocols and practicing social distancing. In an effort to assist local businesses, municipalities, and families in maintaining clean environments, Quest now offers disinfecting services. This service combines a variety of application methods to thoroughly disinfect your living, workspace, or shared areas for any home or business. This treatment effectively dramatically reduces the number of bacteria and viruses from common colds, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Influenza A, and H1N1 viruses, and more.

What is a disinfectant

Treatment?

Through the use of a combination of several indoor disinfectant cleaning methods including fogging, misting, and wiping down floor to ceiling surfaces with our disinfectant solution, disinfecting services go above and beyond a typical deep clean treatment. Through this treatment, a wet mist of disinfection solution is sprayed in a room and allowed to settle on surfaces to start its work.

As with any disinfecting and sanitization service, it is important all surfaces are free and clear of clutter, food, paper and any other objects that will not allow our team access to key areas. Our service team will focus on hard to reach areas and high contact locations. By utilizing various methods, allows the disinfectant to reach the surface promoting a stronger antibacterial and antiviral effect.

Additional Information:

Do Mosquitoes & Ticks Transmit Covid-19?

Experts say no

The National Pest Management Association debunks this common misconception:

In times of crisis, an overabundance of news, opinions, facts and myths starts to circulate, leading to a heightened level of panic and uncertainty. According to new research, there were over 4 million online conversations in March on the topic of pests and their ability to transmit COVID-19.* Because the gravitas of the current COVID-19 pandemic is already at an apex without the addition of speculation, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has set out to dispel at least one misconception about pests and how the disease is being spread.

“The amount of information people are receiving right now, whether fact or fiction, is enough to make anyone’s head spin,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the NPMA. “At this time, there is currently no evidence to suggest that pests like mosquitoes and ticks can be implicated in the transmission of COVID-19. They are, however, able to transmit other serious diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. With summer right around the corner and people spending more time outdoors than ever before, vigilant pest prevention efforts will be paramount to public safety.”

To help Americans decipher the true threats associated with pests, NPMA is breaking down the most common culprits of disease transmission and how to protect against them.

Vectors of numerous diseases

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases, including West Nile virus, Zika virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and more. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and all can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Where they’re found: Outdoors, especially near standing water. Even something as small as a bottle cap can support the development of hundreds of biting mosquitoes.

Prevention tip: Conduct weekly inspections around the property and empty any containers of standing water, as mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed.

Blacklegged

Ticks

Ticks such as the blacklegged tick are able to transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Other tick species such as the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick are able to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is fatal in 20 percent of cases if not caught early enough.

Where they’re found: Overgrown vegetation at tree lines and foot trails through high grass.

Prevention tip: Keep grass cut low, including around fence lines, sheds, trees, shrubs, swing sets and other difficult-to-cut locations.

Common House Mouse

Rodents

Rodents like the common house mouse are able to spread Salmonella, while Norway rats and roof rats are also able to transmit plague, typhus, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, trichinosis and more. Inhaling dust that contains mouse droppings or urine can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms as well, especially in children.

Where they’re found: In homes and businesses, rodents are well adapted to live in close association with human activity.

Prevention Tip: Seal all holes larger than a dime and gaps wider than the diameter of a pencil (1/4 inch) to prevent rodents from getting indoors, as mice can fit through holes the size of a dime and rats the size of a quarter.

For more information on public health pests such as mosquitoes, ticks and rodents, visit PestWorld.org. *Online engagement findings are a result of research conducted by Advanced Symbolics Inc.

National Pest Management Association

About NPMA

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.