Florida is home to more than 1352 insect species, including 85 true bugs! That’s a lot of potential pests to deal with! If you’re a homeowner in Florida, you know how frustrating and costly it can be to deal with a pest infestation. Whether it’s ants, cockroaches, termites, rodents, or something else, you want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
But how do you find the best pest service in Florida?
Searching for “pest control near me” or “rodent control near me” on Google is certainly the first step for many. But that won’t guarantee you the quality and reliability you deserve. To that end, here’s everything you need to know to find the best pest control services.
Keep reading to learn more.
First Things First: Do You Have a Pest Problem?
Before calling in the pest pros, it helps to understand the extent of your infestation. Once you confirm an infestation, don’t hesitate to call a Bradenton pest control service. Florida pests can multiply at alarming rates, and any delay could make elimination more difficult.
Here are some of the most common signs that unwanted critters have invaded your home:
Cockroaches
Look for droppings that resemble coffee grounds in cabinets and drawers. You may also spot egg cases that look like bean pods.
Ants
Watch for trails of ants marching along baseboards, countertops, and other surfaces. Small mounds of displaced soil outside your home may also be a sign of ant infestation.
Mice & Rats
Listen for scurrying in walls and ceilings, especially at night. Look for droppings that resemble grains of rice. Chewed electrical wires are another sign of rodents.
Termites
Tap along baseboards and trim to check for hollow tunnels. Check for tiny piles of sawdust around the wood. Sagging doors and floors can indicate serious structural damage.
Bed Bugs
Check mattress seams and bed frames for small blood stains from crushed bugs. Look for clusters of tiny translucent eggs and reddish-brown exoskeletons.
Mosquitoes
Watch for increased mosquito activity, especially at dawn and dusk. Standing water breeding grounds include birdbaths, clogged gutters, and neglected pools.
What’s Wrong With DIY Pest Control?
Mild infestations sometimes resolve with DIY pest control methods. But more often than not, calling the professionals is the smartest move.
DIY treatment risks include:
Misidentifying the Pest
Lack of professional expertise often leads to misidentifying the type of pest in your home. This leads to using the wrong pest control products, which wastes time and money. It also allows the real infestation to grow unchecked.
Even worse, incorrect products can sicken people and pets if used improperly. You may end up poisoning beneficial species like bees instead of resolving the problem.
Incomplete Pest Eradication
DIY pest control methods rarely succeed in wiping out entire pest populations. Most amateur treatments only temporarily suppress the worst areas of infestation.
And because it’s nearly impossible to get rid of every last egg and breeding spot, the pests quickly repopulate. The comprehensive treatment offered by your local pest control expert is invaluable. DIY options simply can’t be compared.
Spreading Infestation
Well-meaning but ineffective DIY pest treatments often backfire, spreading infestations deeper into a home. They scatter pests from initial areas to untouched spots. Within no time, the pests invade additional rooms or even neighboring units in an apartment building.
This escalates minor pest problems into compounding headaches. Preventing this requires the intervention of a professional. They have the resources and skills to contain and eliminate infestations more effectively.
Property Damage
Applying too much pesticide is a common mistake that can severely damage your property. Excess chemicals easily seep into drywall, wood framing and finishings. This leads to ugly stains, peeling surfaces, and structural weakening over time.
Repairing pesticide-related damage is rarely covered by insurance. To make matters worse, remediation can prove more costly than hiring a professional. Working with a pest control service prevents any overuse issues that may lead to property damage.
Compare Pest Control Companies Before Hiring
With a pest problem verified, it’s time to start shopping for a qualified company. Don’t just go with the first exterminator you find. Comparing multiple services allows you to make the best choice.
Below are some features to consider when narrowing down your options:
Licenses and Certifications
The state of Florida requires pest control technicians to hold licenses from its Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Double-check that any company you consider employs licensed techs. Preferably, they will hold additional credentials from industry organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) – this indicates advanced training and expertise.
Specialized Experience
The pest control industry is far from one-size-fits-all, and companies often specialize in eliminating specific types of pests. For example, terminating termites requires different processes and chemicals compared to wiping out a roach infestation. Be sure to find a service experienced in handling the exact pest problems you have.
Reviews From Past Customers
Take the time to read through reviews on Google, Yelp, and other sites. Look for pest control services with consistently glowing reviews over many years in business. Be wary of any Sarasota pest control service with no reviews or a high percentage of negative feedback.
Pest Control Methods
There are vast differences between pest control companies’ processes and preferred products. Some rely heavily on intense chemical treatments, while others favor integrated pest management with more natural solutions when possible. Understand their methods fully before allowing any service to treat your home.
Compare Pricing Between Companies
Bringing in multiple bids allows you to evaluate whether a company’s quoted pricing is competitive. Average costs range from $40 per month, but extra charges may apply for extensive infestations. Be wary of unrealistically cheap services, as quality often suffers.
Ask the Right Questions
Now that you have narrowed down your options, schedule an in-person consultation. Speaking directly with the pest infestation service allows for further vetting. Here are some of the most important questions to ask about any service you’re considering:
- Which specific pests do you have the most experience treating?
- Can I see some past examples?
- Do your technicians hold licenses from the state regulatory department?
- What about industry certifications?
- What methods and products do you use?
- Are natural options available?
- Will the same technician service my home each time?
- How are your technicians trained?
- How quickly can you schedule an initial inspection?
- What is your availability for follow-up treatments?
- What is included in your services?
- What guarantees do you offer if pests return?
- Are your treatments safe for pets and children when used as directed?
- How long until we can re-enter treated areas?
- Can you provide 2-3 references from past clients with similar pest problems?
- May I read some reviews online?
- Do you offer any sort of quarterly pest control service or packaged plans?
- Are discounts available?
Avoid any pest control expert who seems hesitant to answer questions or provide references. Transparency is a must.
Look for These 5 Traits in the Best Pest Service
It’s not enough to ask the right questions during the interview process. Taking the time to thoroughly vet pest control services gives you the best shot at being 100% satisfied.
Look for a pet-safe pest control service with these qualities-they’ll likely offer the best chance of lasting results.
1. Detailed Inspections
Thorough inspections allow technicians to identify every infested area and the extent of the problem. This enables them to customize their treatment plan accordingly.
2. Advanced Treatment Methods
The best companies utilize the latest treatment methods and products. This includes eco-friendly pesticides when possible for a pet and family-friendly approach.
3. Follow-Up Visits
One-time treatments rarely eliminate infestations fully. A proper plan includes several follow-up applications to catch pests in all life stages.
4. Clear Communication
Technicians should explain their plan of action in simple terms before starting. They should also detail what to expect after treatments and answer all questions.
5. Guarantees
Most leading companies offer guaranteed pest control. If you aren’t satisfied with the results, they will retreat your home at no cost.
Prioritize a Local Pest Control Service
National chains boast big advertising budgets and lots of flash. However, hiring a pest control service with deep area roots offers big benefits. You gain a partner invested in your community and dedicated to your satisfaction.
Here’s why hiring a smaller local company is smart:
They Offer the Best Value
Local services are priced to compete in their communities. They avoid high corporate markups, keeping costs reasonable.
They Have Area-Specific Expertise
Each region faces different common pest problems based on climate, building styles, and other factors. Local companies understand which pests are prevalent locally and how best to eliminate them.
They Invest in the Community
Local businesses are far more likely to give back through community donations, sponsorships, and involvement. Their success depends on strong local ties.
They Deliver Responsiveness
Chains juggle large territories with many clients to serve. Local providers are more responsive since they have fewer customers spread over a smaller area.
You Support a Local Business
Every dollar spent with a local company stays in your community. This promotes economic growth close to home.
Avoid Common Mistakes When Hiring Safe Pest Control
While there are many excellent pest control providers, you’ll still come across some duds. Doing your due diligence can help avoid any missteps that might lead to frustrations down the road.
Avoiding these common mistakes is a great way to ensure you partner with the best local pest control service from the start.
Choosing the First Company You Find
Never go with the first option that pops up on Google or in the Yellow Pages. Comparison shopping is a must, and the guidelines provided beforehand will help narrow down your top contenders.
Focusing on Price Alone
There’s nothing wrong with having a budget when you need a professional to get rid of pests. However, an unusually cheap quote likely signals subpar service. Make quality your priority over bargain pricing.
Lacking a Written Inspection Report
A detailed inspection report should document all infested areas. It should also highlight the technician’s treatment recommendations.
Skipping Follow-Up Applications
One spray job won’t cut it for most infestations. Be sure to schedule all necessary follow-up visits.
Having Unrealistic Expectations
Pest elimination requires diligence and patience. Understand that results will take time, depending on the extent of the problem.
Prepare for Your Pest Control Service Visits
You play a big part in the success of professional pest control treatments. Follow the tips below to prepare your home and ensure the best results.
- Remove clutter such as cardboard boxes that provide hiding places for pests
- Wash all exposed dishes, surfaces, linens, and clothing to eliminate pheromones that attract pests
- Clear all cupboards, closets, and storage areas of food packages and containers
- Cover any fish tanks and unseal open pet food packages
- Schedule all pets to be out of the home during service visits
- Follow any additional prep instructions provided by your technician
- Remain out of treated rooms for the time period specified by the product labels or the technician
- Keep notes of any pest sightings between visits to inform technicians
With proper prep, treatments can reach pests in even the trickiest hiding spots to drive them away for good.
My Home Is Pest-Free: Now What?
Eliminating an existing infestation is only half the battle. Effective pest control also relies on diligent prevention tactics to keep pests away long-term. Here are tips to maintain a pest-free home:
- Inspect regularly for signs of pests, including droppings, damage, insect evidence like egg cases and cocoons, etc
- Seal cracks and crevices throughout the home’s interior and exterior
- Install weatherstripping around doors and windows to eliminate entry points.
- Keep plants, tree branches, mulch, and shrubs at least 2 feet from your home’s foundation.
- Store firewood and lumber at least 20 feet from your house.
- Keep gutters clean and make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away
Staying vigilant is the only way to safeguard your home from the next infestation. Make pest prevention a routine commitment.
Contact the Best Pest Control Service for Help!
Don’t let pests overrun your Florida home another day! Follow our guide to find the best pest service for guaranteed elimination of any pest problem.
Schedule an inspection today with Prodigy Pest Solutions to get rid of those unwanted invaders.