How to Choose a Pest Control Company

February 14, 2026 · Regional Pest Guide Team · prevention professional

Sometimes DIY pest control isn’t enough, and you need professional help. Choosing the right company can mean the difference between solving your problem and wasting hundreds of dollars. Here’s how to find a good one.

Key Strategies

  • Verify licensing — every state requires pest control operators to be licensed. Ask for their license number and verify with your state’s agriculture department
  • Check for insurance — the company should carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Ask for proof
  • Get multiple quotes — at least three. Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than others (cutting corners) or dramatically higher (upselling)
  • Ask about their IPM approach — reputable companies should discuss prevention and monitoring, not just chemical application

Additional Considerations

  • Be skeptical of scare tactics — a company that tries to create urgency (‘Your house could collapse!’) or pushes unnecessary treatments is a red flag
  • Understand the treatment plan — what products will they use? How many treatments? What’s the warranty? A good company explains everything clearly
  • Check reviews but be discerning — look for patterns in reviews rather than individual complaints. How does the company respond to negative feedback?
  • Ask about follow-up — pest control is rarely one-and-done. Understand the ongoing monitoring and treatment schedule

Taking Action

The key themes here are professional hiring evaluation licensing. Start with prevention, monitor for early signs of problems, and escalate to targeted treatments only when needed. Most pest issues are far easier to prevent than to resolve after they’re established.

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