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The Houston, Texas area has its fair share of pests to deal with. Roaches, ants, scorpions, spiders, mosquitoes, and a range of rodents are all common challenges. To keep a home pest-free, homeowners need a pest control service they can rely on, and finding the right company can feel like an uphill battle. The best pest control companies in Houston are reliable and competent, and provide comprehensive services that allow homeowners to get a handle on most types of pest infestations on their property. Trusting top-quality professionals who have the right tools and knowledge can mean that war on destructive—and sometimes harmful—bugs is over in just one battle.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Preventive Pest Control
- BEST WILDLIFE CONTROL: Chimney & Wildlife Specialists
- ALSO CONSIDER: Aptive Environmental
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Houston
There’s more to choosing a service than simply searching the local pest control listings. Before choosing the best pest control company to handle an infestation, there are a few important considerations for homeowners to keep in mind. The following are some of the most critical factors for homeowners to consider when choosing a pest control company, whether they prefer an ongoing contract or a one-time service.
Types of Pests Treated
Different pests often require varying approaches, products, or treatment plans. For this reason, pest control companies may not offer universal pest control services. Some might specialize in wildlife, while others might be bed bug pest control companies. Some of these may only treat termites or other wood-destroying insects. Homeowners who are dealing with a pest problem need to find a provider that offers the appropriate services—or, if the problem is with wildlife, they’ll want to hire one of the best wildlife removal services to humanely remove the animal from the home.
In Houston, common pests include all sorts of rodents, roaches, ants, scorpions, and termites, but other insects or wildlife can cause issues as well. Homeowners will want to attempt to identify what their issue is and then look for a service provider that offers a matching solution. If the customer can’t identify the pest (for example, if they’re not sure of the difference between termites and ants), a pest control pro can help. Also, some companies may offer only residential or commercial pest control services, so shoppers need to make sure they find one that covers their needs.
Quote Process
While most pest control companies have similar quote processes, it’s still worth understanding how they work. Generally speaking, a homeowner with a pest issue will schedule an appointment with the pest control company over the phone or online. The company will then arrive and perform an inspection to identify the problem species. At that point, a technician will provide the homeowner with a price or quote of what it will cost to tackle the job. Some companies may charge pest inspection costs, but they will typically waive this fee if the customer hires the company to treat any issues that are found during the inspection.
Along with the quote will come an explanation of the services, what’s involved, and how it will impact the residents. The quote may also include special rates for ongoing services and recurring visits. It usually takes the company just a few minutes to put the quote together, but the inspector needs to know what they’re dealing with first.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
Many pest control companies have two ways to schedule appointments: over the phone or online. Users can schedule a convenient time and date for their inspection, or in the case of an emergency, choose the first available appointment (some companies actually offer emergency services or 24-hour response times). This applies to new customers looking for a quote and existing customers experiencing an issue.
For certain pests or large infestations, homeowners may choose to pay for recurring visits or ongoing services. These visits are usually monthly, and the technician will refresh pest control traps and bait stations, reapply chemicals, and provide suggestions that make the property less hospitable to the pests at hand.
Insurance, Certification, and Licensing
Pest control companies have certain requirements they need to meet. For example, they need to carry a general liability insurance policy, just as any service-based business does. This policy protects them and the homeowner (and any other third party) against accidents or mistakes that result in injury or property damage. The business must also be licensed to operate within the state.
Another important factor to consider is the technician certifications. Companies that employ National Pest Management Association–certified technicians and those that operate under an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) are committed to developing a true understanding of responsible and effective pest control techniques. Other local and state certifications may apply as well.
Finally, anyone who applies pesticides professionally must be a certified pesticide applicator. While this happens at the state level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established minimum standards to ensure that pesticide applicators know which chemicals to use, how much to use, and how to use them responsibly.
Guarantees
When it comes to pest control, a guarantee that the company has the homeowner’s back can mean a lot. If a company offers a guarantee, it will send a technician back to the home if the homeowner is unhappy with the service or the pests come back within a certain time frame. The company will reapply the treatment, adjust the bait stations, or try a new technique, but without charging the homeowner. This can even apply to one-time treatments if the homeowner complains within a certain period (30 or 60 days, for example).
Money-back guarantees are rare in the pest control industry, but some companies do offer them.
Customer Support
Pest infestations are harrowing ordeals, and upset homeowners need to be able to get a hold of their chosen pest control company when they need them. For that reason, many companies offer 24-hour support. Customers can reach out to these pros at any time for answers and even scheduling.
There are usually two ways to do this: over the phone or online through a live chat. These methods are the fastest ways to get a hold of a company, though some companies may offer an email option as well. For folks who’d rather not talk on the phone, live chat could be the best option and a reason to choose one company over another.
Our Top Picks
With that background on choosing a pest control company covered, it’s time to look at some of our favorites. The following are some of the best pest control companies in Houston, Texas. Homeowners will want to keep all of the top considerations in mind when choosing one of these services over another.
Best Overall
Orkin
Why It Made the Cut:
Between its wide range of pests covered and dedication to training and education, Orkin is a top pest control company in Houston.
Folks looking for a full-service pest control company in the Houston area will want to consider Orkin. This nationwide company covers a wide range of pest services, including most insects, rodents, and termites, and it even offers bed bug pest control. Customers can schedule their appointments online or over the phone, though customers will want to note that customer service is only available over the phone, which could make it slightly more inconvenient to get in touch with a representative. Once the appointment has been scheduled, Orkin can perform a one-time treatment, or customers can opt for an ongoing service plan.
Orkin ensures that its technicians know how to handle pest issues; the company ensures that its technicians are up to date on the risks of certain pests, and it makes sure they understand the importance and urgency of handling some pest infestations. Each pro receives 160 hours of award-winning training in their first year on the job, and this is part of why the company consistently lands on Training magazine’s Top 125 list. Technicians also receive annual education on pest-related diseases and concerns from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the company carries the National Pest Management Associatio QualityPro accreditation—a third-party credential which signifies that Orkin has extremely high standards when it comes to training and expertise. Additionally, Orkin is one of the rare pest control companies that offers a money-back guarantee for services within the first 30 days of the initial treatment.
Specs
- 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 the CDC on pest-related diseases
Cons
- Customer support only available by phone
Runner-Up
Terminix
Why It Made the Cut:
Covering a host of species and offering home services designed to prevent issues, Terminix is worth considering for Houston residents.
Terminix is a great choice for homeowners looking for additional services to not only get rid of pests but also keep them at bay. The company can handle insect, rodent, termite, and bed bug issues, covering most of the pests that Houston residents may face. Appointments can be made online or over the phone, though online scheduling may prove to be a bit of a challenge, as the company’s booking services are somewhat hard to find in the individual pest pages, and the address autofill function may have trouble finding certain addresses. However, customers can always call Terminix to schedule an appointment if they have trouble with online booking.
Additional home services offered by Terminix are aimed at keeping pests away from the home. These include attic insulation, gutter guards, and crawl space encapsulation, which can help prevent pests and wildlife from calling these spots home. By performing these additional services, Terminix technicians can help seal up entry points so pests will look for another place to call their home. Terminix also offers many discounts and promotions on its website to make these services and its pest control services more affordable; these discounts are relatively easy to find, so customers won’t have to hunt around for a deal. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure customers are happy with the service. And for homeowners who’d like to know as much as possible about the pest issue they’re facing, Terminix has a full menu of resources and blog posts dedicated to education; the content is updated frequently by Terminix’s team of on-staff entomologists who share their expertise in a digestible way so customers can learn about the types of pests they may find in their home and how to prevent them in the future.
Specs
- 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, gutter guards, and crawl space encapsulation
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Best for Prevention
Preventive Pest Control
Why It Made the Cut:
With three service plans to choose from, Preventive Pest Control provides customers with ongoing services to prevent pest infestations.
When it comes to preventing infestations, Preventive Pest Control may be the answer. These pros can handle most pest issues, including pest control for ants, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, rodents, spiders, termites, and wasps. Preventive Pest Control does not treat bed bugs, however, so customers dealing with a bed bug infestation will need to find another company. Preventive offers three plans, including Preventive Pest Basic, Preventive Pest Plus, and Build-Your-Own Pest Protection, allowing homeowners to choose the best ongoing service plan to fit their needs and their budget. Choosing a pest prevention plan can help customers keep their home pest-free year-round, which saves them money in the long run on expensive pest treatments. Additionally, potential customers can peruse Preventive’s comprehensive online library of podcasts and videos to get a better understanding of the available services. Customers can watch videos of Preventive Pest Control specialists working with customers to treat their homes and listen to podcasts explaining things like termite swarms and mosquito populations.
Customers will want to note that Preventive Pest Control only offers customer service and scheduling via phone, so those looking for online scheduling may choose to look elsewhere. However, there is an online form customers can fill out to receive a call back rather than needing to call and wait for a representative. The company offers promotions and discounts regularly on its website, which are clearly labeled and easy to find on the home page. Preventive also provides a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, which means homeowners will be able to receive reapplication or re-treatment until they’re happy with the results.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: Not specified
- Guarantee: 100 percent satisfaction guarantee
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- Plans treat and prevent over 12 of the most common household pests year-round
- Readily available discounts and promotions
- Comprehensive pest management resources
Cons
- Scheduling and customer support only available by phone
- Bed bugs not treated
Best Wildlife Control
Chimney u0026 Wildlife Specialists
Why It Made the Cut:
Chimney & Wildlife Specialists provides both wildlife removal services and chimney maintenance solutions for customers.
Chimneys can be the perfect passage for wildlife trying to get into a home, and Chimney & Wildlife Specialists can handle wildlife removal as well as regular chimney services to help the home stay healthy and pest-free. These pros offer chimney maintenance and repair services and fireplace repair to help keep the home’s chimney in good condition and decrease the likelihood of wildlife entering the home through the chimney. If any wildlife does enter the home (through the chimney or via a different entry point), Chimney & Wildlife Specialists can help remove it safely and humanely.
Chimney & Wildlife Specialists’ customers will need to either call or fill out a form online to schedule an appointment or for customer service; however, the online form will result in a call and there’s no way to schedule an appointment completely online. But knowing this company can cover everything related to chimney and wildlife issues can provide some peace of mind for many customers. The company can remove a relatively wide range of wildlife, including armadillos, bats, opossums, raccoons, rats, skunks, snakes, and squirrels. The company is committed to using humane and eco-friendly wildlife management techniques to allow their technicians to work quickly and efficiently to remove wildlife while also preventing unnecessary harm to any animals.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Wildlife, rodents
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: Not specified
- Guarantee: Not specified
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- Relatively wide variety of wildlife removed
- Additional home services include chimney maintenance and repair and fireplace repair
- Humane and eco-friendly wildlife management
Cons
- Scheduling and customer support only available by phone
Also Consider
Aptive Environmental
Why It Made the Cut:
Aptive Environmental is dedicated to both giving back and pesticide awareness, providing responsible services that many homeowners may appreciate.
When it comes to finding a pest control company with a conscience, Aptive Environmental is one of the best. The company participates in the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, which aims to raise awareness and reduce pesticide risks in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Also, a portion of the company’s profits are donated to the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign, so customers can feel good that their money is helping advance an important cause.
Although Aptive doesn’t provide a ton of information online, and customers may need to reach out to a representative for more information, the company offers effective pest control services that cover insects and rodents (bed bugs and termites are not included), and it provides customers with a reservice guarantee if they aren’t happy or the pests come back. Customers will want to note that Aptive does not treat termites or bed bugs, so they will need to look elsewhere if they have a problem with either insect. Scheduling is easy—Aptive has a “get started” button at the top of each page, and the form is simple to fill out and consists of only one page, which means customers can request service quickly and simply.
Specs
- 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
- EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program member
- Portion of company profits go to the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign to help stop the spread of malaria
Cons
- Limited information available online
- Termites and bed bugs not treated
Our Verdict
We chose Orkin as the Best Overall when it comes to pest control in Houston, Texas, thanks to its dedication to education and training that results in top-notch customer service and pest solutions. Terminix is our Runner-Up choice due to its wide range of service options, additional preventive services, and 30-day money-back guarantee.
How We Chose the Best Pest Control Companies in Houston
Assembling a list of the best pest control companies in Houston wasn’t a small task. The area has several types of pests that could be an issue for residents, and we wanted to ensure that any company we suggested was up to the task of solving customers’ pest problems. To do this, we had to draw upon all of our experience in the pest control space to come up with a list of criteria and the most important services that a company should provide.
Once we knew what to look for, we performed hours of extensive company research to determine which were the best. We looked at the pests covered, prices, guarantees, training, and more to ensure each company was capable and provided customers with enough value. Those that didn’t were removed from our list, while those that remained were given awards based on their strengths.
Before You Hire One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Houston
It’s important to choose a pest control company that understands responsible techniques and pesticide usage. Pesticides can impact the environment and negatively impact other non-pests and beneficial species. Customers will want to ask about the company’s responsible pesticide usage.
Also, customers will need to understand that some residential pest control may be within their capability. Changing bad habits, such as leaving food out or dishes in the sink, or allowing plants to grow up alongside the house, can offer quick solutions without the need for professional intervention. Also, perimeter sprays purchased from hardware stores can help, but customers will need to read the directions and use them responsibly. For those who feel this is too much effort, or those who feel overwhelmed by a pest infestation, a pest control company is likely a better choice.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Houston
Pest control costs can vary based on the species, severity of the infestation, and frequency of treatment. However, an annual visit or one-time service will usually cost between $300 and $550. Quarterly visits typically cost between $100 to $300. For homeowners who sign up for ongoing contracts, the initial visit will range between $150 to $300 and monthly follow-ups will cost around $40 to $70.
For more severe problems or more involved treatments, pest control prices can be significantly higher. Termite treatment costs can increase if tenting the home is required, and these can range between $1,200 and $2,500. Bed bug treatment costs $1,750 on average, though a severe infestation could cost as much as $5,000 to eliminate. Also, physical removal of wildlife or wasp nests is significantly more dangerous for the pest technicians, resulting in higher costs ($300 to $700).
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Houston
The best pest control companies offer responsible pesticide applications. This means they know which products to use, how much to use, and how to prevent them from impacting the environment or ecosystem more than necessary. Some even offer natural pest control solutions. A professional pest control company knows how to get rid of bed bugs or how to get rid of termites without causing undue damage to the home, and it can ensure that the infestation is completely eliminated.
Guarantees matter, and the best pest control services offer them to their customers. These companies provide peace of mind that if the pests return or the treatment isn’t up to the homeowner’s liking, the company will make it right.
Finally, the best pros offer contracts for ongoing service that homeowners can choose to opt into. These treatments are usually affordable and provide long-term protection against pests.
- The best pest control companies perform responsible pesticide applications.
- They offer guarantees that provide the customer with peace of mind.
- They offer long-term contracts with ongoing treatments that make prevention affordable and effective.
FAQs
Even with all of that background on the best pest control in Houston, Texas, there may still be some additional questions. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Q. Which pest is the most difficult to control?
The most difficult pest species to control are bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches. Termites can hide until the infestation is severe (but there are some telltale signs of termites for customers to look out for). Bed bugs hide and can be difficult to find, and cockroach pest control is frustrating since the bugs reproduce quickly. Luckily, professional pest control companies know exactly how to get rid of cockroaches and other hard-to-control pests so the customer can reclaim their home.
Q. What pesticide do most pest control companies use?
The most common pesticides that pest control companies use are pyrethroids, namely permethrin. These chemicals are synthetic versions of natural pesticides found in chrysanthemums.
Q. What are the top two insecticides used in the U.S.?
Generally speaking, the most commonly used insecticides are pyrethroids and organophosphates. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that mimic natural chemicals found in chrysanthemums. Organophosphates are produced from phosphates and alcohol and are extremely effective at killing pests. The EPA has a comprehensive list of the types of insecticides and their mode of action.
Q. How much does an exterminator cost in Houston?
A one-time visit will usually cost between $300 and $550 for the treatment. With long-term contracts, the first visit may cost $150 to $300 and then $40 to $70 each month thereafter. The cost of bed bug treatments or termite control may vary, and wildlife removal costs can range significantly.
Q. How often do you need pest control in Houston?
The South has its fair share of pest challenges, and most homeowners will find that monthly pest control visits are best. However, at a minimum, homeowners will want to consider quarterly visits.
Q. How much is pest control per month?
Monthly visits usually range between $40 and $70 for each visit after the initial visit (which costs between $150 and $300).
Q. What is the number one pest problem in America?
It’s generally accepted that ants are the number one pest problem in America. There are many, many species, but carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants are the most common. Ants can appear as tiny black bugs in a house near the window or anywhere else that there are small cracks and crevices through which they can enter.