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One of the most frequent reasons given for moving to Florida is the beautiful weather. However, warm, humid climates tend to have a higher population of insects, rodents, lizards, and other pests because these creatures are drawn to the comfortable temperatures and abundant food sources. Ants, cockroaches, ticks, termites, mosquitoes, and centipedes are just a few of the insect species that are common to homes in Florida.
Florida residents can attempt to deal with minor infestations using DIY methods such as traps, repellents, and store-bought pesticides. Depending on the pest, though, infestations can rapidly exceed the ability of DIY solutions to manage the problem. Before the pest population gets out of control, it’s recommended to contact a professional pest control company. This guide can help customers research pest extermination experts in the area to find the best pest control company in Florida and take back the home.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Ehrlich Pest Control
- BEST WILDLIFE CONTROL: Critter Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: Aptive Environmental
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pest Control Company in Florida for You
Some of the best pest control companies operate in Florida. Before hiring, it’s important to research the types of pests treated, the quote process, the scheduling process, and a range of other key factors to select the best company to treat the infestation.
Types of Pests Treated
One of the drawbacks to living in Florida is that the bugs, lizards, and rodents enjoy the beautiful weather as much as humans, which leads to a large variety of pest species. Some of the most common household pests in Florida include ants, cockroaches, ticks, flies, iguanas, mice, termites, mosquitoes, centipedes, and spiders.
Florida residents can also find rats, millipedes, crickets, moths, bed bugs, horseflies, and silverfish, so before selecting a pest control company, it’s necessary to determine which pests the company is equipped to handle. Customers will want to identify the type of pest in the home, then check the company website or speak to the customer service staff to find out if the exterminators can take care of it.
Quote Process
The cost of pest control treatment varies depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of the property, the location of the infestation, the treatment type, and the type of pest. For this reason, most pest control experts collect information about the problem before providing a quote for the services. This quote is an estimate of the total cost and a breakdown of the services that are included in the price. To avoid surprises, it’s recommended to find a pest extermination company that inspects the property first to get all the details about the infestation. The extermination expert should then provide a written quote detailing the costs, services, and agreed-upon price.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
Scheduling pest control services should be a relatively straightforward process that involves booking a time to have a pest control expert out to the property to inspect the situation and provide a written quote to the customer. After the customer agrees to the cost and the services laid out in the quote, the appointment may commence immediately or may be booked for another day. If it’s necessary to have the extermination service booked for a weekend or evening, then it’s important to find out whether the pest control company offers appointments during these times.
For homes that have recurring pest problems, some companies offer discounted prices for ongoing service plans to keep the home pest-free throughout the year. However, the exact frequency of treatment depends on the service plans offered and can differ between pest control companies. Typically, the results of a professional extermination service last for about 3 months, though more severe infestations may require treatment as frequently as once a month.
Insurance, Certifications, and Licensing
Most legitimate pest control companies will have insurance to ensure that if anything goes wrong during an extermination appointment, the company and the customer are protected. For this reason, it’s recommended to ask a company if it has insurance before booking an appointment. If it does have insurance, ask to see or hear the details of the policy to get a better understanding of the exact coverage provided, since this can vary between companies.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a pest control company is required to have at least one certified, licensed commercial pesticide applicator in the proper service category, so before booking a pest control service, customers will want to speak to the customer support staff to verify the company has the appropriate certifications and licensing for Florida.
Guarantees
Not every pest control company offers a guarantee because it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the original infestation problem and a recurring infestation. However, when a customer hires a pest control company to handle an infestation, there should be an expectation that the infestation will be eliminated. Companies that offer a guarantee may return within a set period of time if the infestation has not been successfully exterminated.
The exact details and limitations of a guarantee may differ between pest control companies, so it’s a good idea to speak to the customer service staff or check the company website for a clarification of the details before selecting a pest control service.
Customer Support
An important aspect of just about any business is customer support. A knowledgeable customer support team that is easy to get in contact with can go a long way toward keeping customers happy. Support staff that are available by phone, email, and live chat help to facilitate clear, concise communication with customers so the company can provide the best service possible. Interested customers should also be able to get detailed information from the customer support department about scheduling, payments, and service packages for recurring visits.
Our Top Picks
Customers will want to consider this list of the top pest exterminators in Florida, which is based on the types of pests treated, streamlined scheduling, streamlined quote processes, clear customer communication, diligent training, and overall value.
Best Overall
Orkin
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association QualityPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone
Pros
- Technicians receive 160 hours of award-winning training
- National Pest Management Association QualityPro accreditation
- Technicians receive annual education from CDC on pest-related diseases
Cons
- Customer support only available by phone
Why It Made the Cut: Customers can feel confident hiring certified and licensed Orkin technicians, as each one receives 160 hours of award-winning training. Knowing how to identify a pest, plan a course of action, and take steps to eliminate the infestation is key to operating a successful pest control company. To ensure that Orkin technicians are knowledgeable and experienced, each one undergoes 160 hours of award-winning training and annual education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on pest-related diseases. This allows technicians to recognize a wide variety of pests and be prepared to safely manage infestations without putting themselves or others at risk. The company holds the National Pest Management Association QualityPro accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to education, training, and certification. Scheduling is available both online and over the phone, and customers looking for information or support with a problem can contact Orkin by phone.
Runner-Up
Terminix
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: State and locally certified
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- Readily available discounts and promotions
- Additional home services include attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter protection
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Why It Made the Cut: Terminix offers flexible service plans, affordable pest control pricing, and additional home services to help prevent reinfestation. This company offers affordable pest control pricing, including ongoing treatment plans to help handle recurring infestations. Customers can also get attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter protection service through Terminix, with the goal of making the home less attractive to insects, rodents, and other pests. For detailed information on pests in the area, Terminix has on-staff entomologists that regularly update an online database, which provides in-depth information to help customers address infestation problems. Booking online with Terminix can be a bit of a hassle because the booking service is buried in the individual pest pages. But beyond this minor inconvenience, Terminix is a top option for pest control treatments in Florida.
Best for Prevention
Ehrlich Pest Control
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association GreenPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Customer satisfaction guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- PestFree365+ plan treats and prevents 36 of the most common household pests year-round
- Additional services include moisture control and vegetation management
- National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation
Cons
- Online pricing tool is somewhat misleading
Why It Made the Cut: Ehrlich Pest Control’s PestFree365+ plan allows customers to take preventive actions against recurring infestations. It can be stressful to live in a home with an ongoing infestation, so before pests can take root in the home, customers can consider the PestFree365+ pest prevention plan offered by Ehrlich Pest Control. The plan treats and prevents 36 common household pests all year long, so customers can spend less time thinking about pest control and more time enjoying their homes. The company holds the National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation, demonstrating high training standards and the use of environmentally responsible products. In the interest of reducing the risk of reinfestation, Ehrlich also offers moisture control and vegetation management services. The online pricing tool is somewhat deceptive in that for many services, customers cannot get a direct quote without scheduling an appointment. For the most accurate pricing information, it’s recommended to reach out to a company representative.
Best Wildlife Control
Critter Control
- Types of pests treated: Wildlife, rodents
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: Certified wildlife specialists, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Varies by location
- Customer support: Available by phone and live chat during business hours
Pros
- “Certified wildlife specialist” technicians
- Relatively wide variety of wildlife removed
- Limited lifetime warranty on exclusion or damage repairs
Cons
- Service hours and guarantees may vary across locations
- Somewhat limited service area
Why It Made the Cut: Critter Control is a top choice for quickly and effectively dealing with rodents, lizards, and other vertebrate animals. Insects, arachnids, and other invertebrate pests are typically what spring to mind when thinking about a pest control company, but there are a variety of vertebrate pests that can invade homes and businesses, including rats, mice, and iguanas. Customers living in Critter Control’s service areas who are experiencing vertebrate pest infestations can turn to the company to get fast, effective extermination or removal services. The Critter Control technicians are trained to deal with a wide range of pests, giving them extensive experience in a variety of situations and a flexible understanding of how to approach the problem. Technicians can also make exclusion repairs to keep animals from reentering the home, and the repairs have a limited lifetime warranty. Customers can check with their local branch or reach out to a company representative for information on hours for specific locations and guarantees.
Also Consider
Aptive Environmental
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: Not specified
- Guarantee: Reservice guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- Straightforward online quote process and scheduling
- Member of the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
- Portion of company profits go to United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign to help stop the spread of malaria
Cons
- Limited information available on website
- Technicians do not treat termites and bed bugs
- Somewhat limited service area
Why It Made the Cut: Customers can turn to Aptive Environmental for an environmentally and socially conscious pest control option. The environment often suffers the consequences of short-term human thinking, especially when it comes to harsh chemical insecticides, rodenticides, and other substances that are harmful to the ecosystem. Customers tackling pests (other than termites and bed bugs) can turn to Aptive Environmental, a company that demonstrates a high level of environmental consideration through involvement as a member of the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. Additionally, a portion of the profits made by Aptive Environmental go to help fund the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria program, so customers can feel good about working with an altruistic company. On the company website, customers can take advantage of the streamlined online quote and scheduling process that consists of a one-page form and up-front pricing, and they can reach out to a company representative from one of Aptive’s four Florida locations to learn more.
Our Verdict
Orkin is a top option for those who value a high level of training and transparency in dealing with customers. Terminix is another solid option for customers who require ongoing treatment plans to handle recurring infestations.
How We Chose the Best Pest Control Companies in Florida
The process to put together this list consisted of extensive research into a wide pool of candidates using several key factors to select the best pest control companies in Florida. Companies that effectively treated a wide variety of pests were favored over those companies that could only handle a relatively limited number of pest species. Similarly, companies that offered a range of treatment options were preferred to companies with a basic menu of treatments.
During this selection process, pest control providers with superior customer communication, flexible scheduling, and environmentally friendly pest control products tended to stand out from competitors. Additional factors that helped us choose our list of top pest control companies in Florida included a good reputation in the industry, a high level of transparency, and ongoing training programs that demonstrated knowledge and experience.
Before You Hire the Best Pest Control Company in Florida for You
Hiring a pest control company without proper research can lead to a host of problems, so it’s important to research and ask questions to find the best pest control company in Florida to treat the infestation. Customers will want to start by identifying the pests in the home, then looking for a pest control company that handles the specific pest. Then, it’s wise to contact the customer service department or check the company website to determine if the exterminators are licensed, bonded, and insured.
While in contact with the company, it’s also advised to ask for a written quote and a breakdown of the services included in the total price, but keep in mind that some companies may not be able to provide a quote without an in-person inspection. Customers will want to ask how to prepare for the treatment and be aware that not every company uses pet-, people-, and plant-safe products, so it’s a good idea to verify what products the exterminator will be using and the effects they may have on the local environment. A final question to ask the extermination company before hiring is, what happens if the treatment doesn’t work? While some companies have guarantees on their work, this isn’t the case for all pest control companies in Florida.
Cost of Hiring the Best Pest Control Company in Florida for You
Cost is one of the top considerations for many Florida residents who are looking for a pest control method to handle an ongoing infestation. There are a range of DIY methods that may seem more affordable than hiring professional pest experts, but the success of these products is often limited by the knowledge and experience of the user. Getting the help of a top pest control company is one of the best ways to manage an infestation before it gets out of control.
On average, the cost of an exterminator ranges from $111 to $261. However, there are several factors that can impact the total cost of the service, including the size of the property, the location of the infestation, the severity of the infestation, the type of treatment, and any consultation or inspection fees. To get a detailed understanding of the exact fees associated with the work and the services included in the total price, it’s recommended to speak to the customer service staff or pest control technician to request a breakdown of the costs.
The Advantages of Using the Best Pest Control Company in Florida for You
Hiring a pest control company is an excellent way to prevent a small infestation from growing out of control. Trained pest control experts have a significant amount of knowledge and experience dealing with a wide variety of pests, which allows them to quickly recognize signs of an infestation and suggest the best methods to handle the problem.
Extermination teams are also equipped with the appropriate tools to get the job done and, once the issue has been resolved, they can use their knowledge and training to suggest measures that can help prevent recurring infestations. Pests can chew through walls and nest in the ceiling, but getting the help of a pest control company is one of the quickest ways to stop further damage to the home.
- Pest control experts are equipped with knowledge, experience, and the necessary tools to handle a range of pests.
- Pest exterminators can inspect and advise on next steps to help deal with recurring infestations.
- Pest control companies handle infestations quickly to help prevent damage to the home.
FAQs
Here, customers can learn more with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about extermination companies to make an informed decision about which Florida pest control company is best for handling a pest infestation.
Q. How often should I use pest control services in Florida?
The frequency with which you use a Florida pest control service depends on the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and the likelihood of reinfestation. Typically, you should use top- rated pest control about once every 2 to 3 months. For severe infestations, you may need monthly treatments, while relatively mild infestations may only require treatment every 6 months.
Q. How much does pest control cost in Florida?
On average, the cost of pest control in Florida ranges from $111 to $261 for a one-time pest extermination treatment. However, some companies may offer discounted prices for recurring visits through an ongoing service contract. Different pests may also incur different costs; for example, a mice exterminator costs an average of $357. Customers can spend some time researching extermination companies in the area and ask the customer service staff for a detailed breakdown of the costs before booking an appointment.
Q. What are the most common pests in Florida?
The warm, humid climate of Florida makes it an excellent place to live if you don’t like winter weather, but there are many pests that make this state home for the same reason, including:
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Spiders
- Ticks
- Termites
- Mosquitoes
- Bed bugs
- Rats
- Horseflies
- Millipedes
- Centipedes
- Moths
- Mice
- Iguanas
- Crickets
- Flies
Q. Is residential pest control worth the money?
Small infestations can often be handled with DIY traps and treatments, but if the situation begins to grow to a point beyond your skills, it’s recommended to call a pest control company to exterminate the pests. Professional pest control experts are worth the money to prevent damage to the home and give you peace of mind knowing you aren’t playing host to a nest of bugs.
Q. How can I avoid termite infestation in Florida?
Figuring out how to get rid of termites in Florida isn’t always easy, but there are several steps you can take to make your home less appealing to termites. You can remove sources of excess moisture, including fixing leaky faucets and insulating pipes that are prone to condensation buildup.
It’s wise to take some time to declutter the home and clean up the yard, making sure to remove any piles of wood that are in or near the home. If you find any infested items, either get rid of them or place the items out in direct sunlight to encourage termites to leave. When all else fails, professional termite prevention treatment from one of the best termite control companies like Terminix may be the solution you need. This guide provides more information on how to choose a termite company.
Q. How long does pest control fumigation take to complete?
The fumigation process can take between 3 days and 1 week.