Pest control: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pest control is

Pest control is an inspection and treatment service for insects and rodents. A licensed operator identifies the pest, applies treatments or traps where they are needed, and advises on prevention such as sealing gaps and removing food and water sources. People call when they see activity they cannot identify or when a problem keeps coming back after they tried to fix it themselves.

Signs you need it

  • You see droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks along walls or shredded materials in cabinets, closets or the attic
  • Insects are appearing in the kitchen, bathroom, basement or pantry in numbers that do not go away
  • Trails of ants or other insects lead along the same route into the house each day
  • Sounds in the walls or ceiling, or activity that is strongest at night, suggest something is living inside
  • A problem returns within weeks of a store-bought treatment or trap, so the source is still there

What the pro does

  • The operator walks the interior and exterior to find the pest, its entry points, its nesting or harborage areas and the conditions that attract it
  • The species is identified, since the same product and method do not work for every pest
  • A treatment plan is chosen, such as baits, traps, residual sprays, dusts or exclusion, with the locations and products recorded
  • Treatments are applied according to the product label, with any areas that need to be kept clear explained before the visit ends
  • The operator sets a follow-up schedule and gives written advice on sealing, sanitation and moisture control that fits the pest found

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of pest, since some need repeated visits or specialized treatment
  • Size of the home and the number of rooms, floors and outdoor areas to be treated
  • Severity of the infestation and how long it has been established
  • Whether the job is a one-time treatment or a recurring service plan
  • Access to hidden areas such as crawl spaces, attics, wall voids and cluttered rooms
  • Exclusion work, such as sealing gaps or installing screens, if it is included
  • Number of follow-up visits needed to confirm the pest is gone

What a written quote should spell out

  • The pest identified, with the species named and the area it was found in
  • The treatment method for each area, such as bait, trap, spray or dust
  • The products used by name, with a statement that they are applied under the label
  • The areas to be treated and the areas that will not be treated, with reasons
  • What you must do before and after, such as clearing counters, bagging food or keeping pets out
  • The follow-up visit schedule and what the guarantee covers, if one is offered

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are you licensed for pest control in my area, and is the technician who visits the one who holds the license?
  • What pest do you think I have, and how did you confirm it?
  • Which products do you apply, and what are the re-entry times on the labels?
  • Are the products safe around children and pets, and what precautions should I take?
  • What will you do about the entry points, and will that be part of the treatment?
  • How many follow-up visits do you plan, and is there a charge for them?
  • What do you need from me before the visit, and what should I not do?

Red flags

  • They treat the house without first identifying the pest or finding the entry points
  • They spray broadly through the house on the first visit with no inspection report
  • They recommend a long-term plan without explaining what it treats or why it is needed
  • They cannot name the products or show the labels they plan to use
  • They will not confirm the license or say who on their team holds it

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can clean up food sources, seal visible cracks and gaps with caulk, and set simple traps or bait stations as the product label directs. Call a licensed pest control operator for any infestation that is spreading, any treatment inside walls or attics, any work with restricted products, and any pest you cannot identify. Follow the label on every product, keep children and pets out of treated areas as directed, and never mix products.

Licenses and permits

Pest control application is commonly licensed in many areas, and the operator and the technician applying the product may both need a license. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you hire, and ask to see the license that covers the work being done.

Pest control questions

How do I know a pest control company is legitimate?

Ask for the license number that covers the work and check it with your state or local licensing agency. Ask who will visit your home, and confirm that person holds the license. A written inspection report is a good sign.

Why does the pest keep coming back after treatment?

Usually an entry point or a food and water source is still there, or the treatment was not matched to the species. Ask the operator to show you the entry points and to explain the follow-up plan.

Is it safe to stay in the house during treatment?

It depends on the product and the method. Ask the operator which products they will use, how long to stay out of treated areas, and when it is safe for children, pets and food-prep surfaces.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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