Who runs PestControlBasics
Derek Giordano is a Licensed PCO (Florida, 2005–2008). He passed Florida's extensive pest control operator certification exam and ran his own office, building Summit Pest Control to more than 2,000 paying customers with offices in five states before selling the business in 2007. He left the pest control industry after the sale. His experience covers residential and commercial pest management. Derek founded PestControlBasics and sets its editorial standards: what the site covers, which sources it relies on, and how it handles corrections.
- Research: Content is researched against university extension publications, EPA registrations, and peer-reviewed entomology literature.
- Sourcing: Every statement on a pest profile, pesticide page or guide is tied to the source that supports it, and a page can't be built without its sources. Product directions come from the product's EPA-accepted label.
- Updates: Pages are reviewed and updated when product registrations change, new resistance data emerges, or reader corrections are submitted.
- Labels: Pesticide pages are built from EPA-stamped product labels and link to them in EPA's Pesticide Product Label System.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derekgiordanoa · Full reviewer profile
Our Mission
PestControlBasics.com exists to close the information gap between homeowners and pest control professionals. The site launched in March 2026. When you find an unfamiliar insect in your home at 11pm, you deserve accurate, actionable information — not marketing copy designed to make you call a service company.
We believe that an educated homeowner makes better decisions: knowing when a pest is genuinely harmless, when a DIY treatment is effective, and when professional help is truly necessary. That distinction saves money, prevents unnecessary pesticide use, and leads to better outcomes.
What We Cover
Our library covers the most common household pests in the United States, with particular depth on:
- Identification — what the pest actually looks like vs. common lookalikes
- Biology — life cycle, behavior, and seasonal patterns that explain why they appear
- Treatment — the specific pesticide or method that works, with correct application rates
- Pesticide transparency — brand names cross-referenced to active ingredients, so you know when two products are the same chemical
- Regional context — pest pressure varies enormously by state and climate zone
Editorial Standards & Legal Disclaimer
PestControlBasics.com is an educational resource only. We are not a licensed pest control company and we do not provide pest control advice, recommendations, or professional services.
All content is written for general educational purposes. Every pesticide application is governed by the product label — the label is the law under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. § 136). Readers must read and follow their specific product label before any application.
We strive to keep information accurate and up to date, but pest control science, product registrations, and regulations change. Always verify current label requirements with the EPA's pesticide database and your state regulatory authority.
For structural pest infestations (termites, severe bed bug infestations), wildlife conflicts, or any situation involving potential structural damage or public health risk, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed pest management professional.
Our Values
No ads selling pest products
We don't accept payment to recommend specific brands. Product mentions reflect what works, not who pays.
Science over folklore
We cite university extension research and EPA data, not pest control myths that persist because they sell services.
DIY when it makes sense
We're honest about when homeowner treatment is effective — and equally honest when it isn't.
Accessible to everyone
Free, on any device. Pest control knowledge shouldn't require a subscription or a professional consultation to access.
Contact
For content corrections, partnership inquiries, or feedback, reach us at:
info@pestcontrolbasics.com
We read every message. Response time is typically 2–5 business days.
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Pest ID, treatment and prevention, every claim cited — all free.