Best Pest Control Companies

Insect and rodent pests carry diseases, damage property, aggravate allergies and cause other harm to people. If you suspect a vermin nuisance, it might be time to call in the professionals.

Many companies are experts in dealing with pest infestations and can help you get pests out of your home quickly and safely. They can then help property owners take preventive measures to ensure their homes and businesses aren't infested again.

Pest control companies are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and individual states. Local licensing requirements and regulations are typically set by your state’s department of agriculture. Below are steps you can take to choose a pest control company.

1. Properly identify the pest you need to get rid of

Pests often invade properties, but not all pests are created equal. Pest control companies most commonly treat insects like termites, spiders, ants, bedbugs, fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Choose a company that specializes in the type of pest you’re most concerned about.

• Rodents: Some companies work on ridding spaces of rodents like rats and mice. They may not have specialized solutions for dealing with insects. Pest control technicians commonly work with traps, steel wool and building maintenance.
• Insects: Companies that specialize in insects often have specific poisons that can be sprayed to rid properties of bugs. They also know how to use traps to attract and kill bugs and are familiar with natural preventive methods to ensure bugs don't re-infest a home or business.
• Less common pests: Some companies specifically focus on bedbug, raccoon or termite control. While some large, generalized pest control companies are well-versed in more common insects like ants, roaches and mosquitoes, more specialized companies can deal with problems that are rarer (like bedbugs) or localized (like scorpions).

2. Consider the company’s commitment to eco-friendliness

Getting rid of pests often requires the use of harsh chemicals, but companies can use products of varying toxicities in order to end infestations.

In fact, some companies focused on eco-consciousness don’t use chemicals, implementing natural ways to get rid of pests instead.

• Traditional pest control companies: Traditional services often include pesticides that contain harsh chemicals, such as pyrethrin and pyrethroids. These can have a more negative effect on the environment than some eco-friendly methods. Other common chemicals include piperonyl butoxide, hydramethylnon and fipronil.
• Green pest control companies: Green pest control uses methods or materials that are friendlier to the environment to get rid of pests, such as chemicals with lower toxicity or natural products like boric acid.
• Multifaceted pest control companies: Many companies use a combination of toxic substances when infestations are particularly large or hard to treat and eco-friendly, more gentle treatments when infestations are not particularly difficult or when pest problems are mild.

3. Know how the company’s billing works

It’s important for homeowners to research the cost of a pest control treatment and how they’ll be billed. Examine each company’s payment options while you’re making comparisons.

• One-time service cost: Some companies offer one-time services to deal with pests; depending on the company, you can pay using cash, credit card or a personal check.
• Regular service and billings: Some pest control companies provide regular services to prevent and treat seasonal or year-round pests. These plans are often more cost-effective than getting one-time service.
• Customized billing plans: Some of the best pest control companies work to devise a custom plan for long-term pest control based on a client’s pest history, property characteristics and budget.

4. Research the pest control company’s reputation

It’s important to do background research and check out a company’s track record before hiring. There are many options out there, but not all of them provide the same quality of service.

• Proven track record: Some companies have been successful at dealing with infestations for a long time; good reviews of a company are an indicator that they will most likely do a good job and are a worthwhile company to work with.
• Time in business: Many new pest control companies — particularly eco-friendly ones — are not as tried and tested as older companies, and their reputation remains to be proven. This means that spending money on them for pest control services could be a gamble, since their success removing pests has not been well established.
• Qualifications: Technicians should be fully trained and licensed. It’s usually a good sign if there’s a certified entomologist on staff.
• Reviews: Check reviews to learn if the company’s customers are satisfied. Look for comments about getting quotes, scheduling, results, billing and overall friendliness. Choose a business with strong overall reviews and responses to negative feedback from customers.

Local pest control companies have extensive knowledge about the pests and vermin in your area. We compared our favorite exterminators across the U.S. so you can find professional help for your pest problem.

• Albuquerque
• Atlanta
• Bakersfield
• Baltimore
• Boise
• Buffalo
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Dallas
• Denver
• Detroit
• Fort Myers
• Green Bay
• Houston
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City
• Lansing
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Milwaukee
• Nashville
• Omaha
• Orlando
• Phoenix
• Pittsburgh
• Portland
• Sacramento
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• Tallahassee
• Tampa
• Tucson
• Tulsa
• Waco
• West Palm Beach

What is the average cost for pest control service?

A one-time pest control visit typically costs between $150 and $500. Regular visits usually cost between $40 and $70. Costs may be higher depending on your particular situation. Factors that influence price include:

• The severity of the pest infestation
• The size of the building/space
• The species of the pest
• The number of treatments needed

Is monthly pest control necessary?

Monthly pest control isn't always necessary. Most professionals recommend treatment once every two to six months.

Some pest control companies offer a subscription service that may make frequent or recurring treatments more cost-effective. Getting regular preventive treatments is a smart choice, as most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from pests.

A good exterminator will make an official recommendation based on your unique situation, but as a general rule, most homes need treatment once a quarter or every other month.

What does a pest control company do?

Pest control companies get rid of unwanted houseguests, like insects and rodents. Technicians or employees may poison, bait, trap and/or close off areas to pests.

Pest control companies usually break down their services by species:

• Rodent control: These pest control companies can help rid a property that has already been infested with rats, mice and other rodents or set up preventive measures, like mousetraps, steel wool fillers and repellent chemicals, so these animals never enter again.
• Insect control: Insect control specialists rid both homes and businesses of spiders, flies, ants, roaches and other common insects. Some don't deal with rodents and thus are a better choice for a business or residence that's only dealing with bugs. Bug control companies have specialized knowledge of how to get rid of insects, and they're often equipped with a wide range of chemicals to do so.
• Specialized pest control: Some companies specialize in a very specific type of pest control service, such as treatment for bedbugs, termites or raccoons.

What is included in pest control?

Pest control should include a combination of eradication and prevention strategies. Preventive pest control, chemical pest control and pest trapping are the primary pest control services.

• Preventive pest control: Some companies specialize in setting up a system that makes it nearly impossible for an infestation to happen in the first place. Some preventive care measures include filling holes through which pests can come in, removing items to which they are attracted and spraying chemicals to keep them away.
• Chemical pest control: Chemical control is a popular method of getting rid of pests in a home, during which an exterminator uses harsh chemicals, like piperonyl butoxide, to remove unwanted pests.
• Pest trapping: Some companies specialize in using traps to capture pests rather than killing them with chemicals. Traps are often preferable for eco-friendly customers who don’t like the use of chemicals in their space.

How do exterminators treat termites?

Termite control usually requires a multipronged approach. Different treatments may be more effective for different types of termites in certain areas. Typically, termite insecticide — like imidacloprid or fipronil — is put in the dirt around the foundation.

Baiting may be better for subterranean termites, while fumigation ends drywood termite infestations. Bait brings them out to the insecticide, which they bring back to other termites. Pesticides may be in the form of foam, liquid or dust.

How long does it take for an exterminator to get rid of roaches?

Getting rid of roaches takes up to two weeks — the infestation size and the type of roach play significant roles in determining the length of time needed. Keep in mind that it may take more than one treatment to fully eradicate the infestation.

What does integrated pest management mean?

Integrated pest management involves monitoring, prevention and common-sense pest control techniques to treat pest problems with minimal risk to property, occupants and the environment.

Hiring a pest control company is a good idea if you suspect your home has a pest problem. The company you choose will eliminate the pests while keeping you and your family safe from hazardous chemicals.

Look for a pest control company that's both affordable and good at what it does. To find a company with good value, request an estimate or compare online pricing. Read customer reviews to learn about how the company handles chemicals. You should also ask for references and licenses to confirm the information firsthand.

Guide sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. To learn more about the content on our site, visit our FAQ page.

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Regulatory and Guidance Information by Topic: Pesticides.” Accessed September 1, 2021.