Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The high level of rainfall and warm summers in Gainesville often go hand and hand with a variety of pest problems, like cockroaches, rodents, and termites. Without a pest control regimen in place, the chance of severe infestation is high.
There are many exterminators to choose from, which can make difficult for you to know which is best for you. That’s why we've reviewed plenty of options to find the best pest control companies in Gainesville. Read on to learn more about each exterminator.
Helpful homeowner content on its website
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Free inspections
Proactive approach to pest control
Positive customer service reviews
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Educational web content
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Educational web content
No-cost inspections
Offerings of preventative treatments
Services Offered
Consistently high customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Free inspection policy
Offerings of preventative treatments
Commitment to customer education
Services Offered
Free inspections
Reviews praise customer service
Lack of hidden fees
Services Offered
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Consistently high customer service reviews
Preventative pest control services
Services Offered
Free inspections
Educational web content
Transparent pricing
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Free inspection policy
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Preventative pest control services
Reviews praise customer service
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Educational web content
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on pest control companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
We narrowed it down to these pest control companies by comparing costs, pest control treatments offered, customer reviews, state availability, contracts, and more.
Here’s how we ranked them:
Terminix ranks as one of the top four pest control companies worldwide, and it has been helping homeowners and businesses stay pest-free for over 90 years. With this breadth of experience, you can see why Terminix is one of the top companies in the country.
Terminix provides both one-time extermination services and routine pest control. Plus, every contract comes with a 30-day guarantee. Terminix’s typical pest regimen includes a home inspection and initial treatment, followed by three additional treatments during the year.
Started in 1901 by a rat poison salesman named Otto, the Orkin brand has grown to be one of the most trusted in the pest control industry. Due to its vast network, Orkin can provide next-day, or sometimes even same-day, service.
Orkin deals with many common pests, including spiders, ants, cockroaches, and silverfish. Orkin can book regular follow-up visits. Also, if you end up with recurring problems or any other urgent pest control needs, you can contact a customer service representative.
Rentokil has been helping homeowners rid themselves of common pests for over 90 years. In North America, Rentokil is the parent company of several local pest control branches like Western Exterminator, J.C. Ehrlich, and Presto-X.
Rentokil and its partners take care of the following pests: cockroaches, moths, mosquitoes, bed bugs, flies, ants, spiders, bees, wasps, and crickets. Rentokil uses treatments that are safe for your pets and children.
Not all pest control services are identical when it comes to credibility, expertise, and competence. It's important to do your research to determine the right option for your specific pest problem. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a pest control professional:
You should choose a pest control company that is equipped to handle your specific problem, whether it's bed bugs, termites, roaches, rodents, or something else. The company should provide detailed explanations of its expertise with your specific pest.
When selecting a pest control company, look for technicians that are licensed by the state and certified in pest control methods by industry associations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Possessing these credentials demonstrates that the technicians have adequate training. Inquire with the company about the training hours required for its technicians as well as its policies for continuing education.
Read online reviews on Google and Yelp before scheduling a pest control appointment. This can help you verify whether the company consistently provides quality service and positive experiences. Also check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Ask the provider whether technicians receive consistent training to stay current on the latest pest control methods. When you select a company from our list of Gainesville's best pest control, you can feel confident knowing that you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
If you prefer more eco-friendly and natural pest control solutions, look for companies that have "green" certifications. If you’re dealing with larger pests, such as mice or raccoons nesting in trees, you can also ask about humane catch and release. Keep in mind that natural pest control options may be less effective; consider a more traditional route if dealing with a serious infestation. No matter your approach to pest control, all pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) are required to be registered with the EPA.
Quality pest control professionals typically offer service guarantees for recurring plans. The guarantees mean the provider will come back and re-treat at no cost if your home still has pests after the initial treatment. One-time treatments don't typically include reservice guarantees.
After picking your top pest management services, reach out to each one with questions such as these:
Thoroughly evaluate potential pest control providers using these questions. This will help you choose the right provider to safely and effectively get rid of your pest problem at a reasonable price.
It's important to be aware of the pests you could come across while living in Gainesville. So you can have an idea of the most common pests in the city, we examined the pests discussed in around 10 million posts on social media.
Our top picks for the best pest control companies in Gainesville are Orkin and Terminix. They're highly regarded in the industry and help get rid of all common pests.
Hiring a pest control company and having a professional spray your property routinely is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and other wildlife from coming inside your house.
For the most part, the chemicals used in pest control are safe. Even so, they have to be handled by a trained professional to make sure they’re used properly and safely. After your house has been sprayed, your exterminator will recommend staying out of your home for a certain period of time. This is typically 2 to 4 hours, but can be a maximum of 24 hours.
There are some pests you can get rid of yourself. For example, if you see some ants or a rogue spider, chances are you can get rid of it on your own. But some pest infestations warrant calling the professionals. If you have a big infestation, you aren’t sure what the pest is, or would like preventative pest control, you should hire a pest control company.
In a city like Gainesville, where the cost of living is above average compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. How much pest control costs varies based on several factors, including what type of pests are troubling you and how bad the infestation is. A single visit can cost between $300 and $500, while a quarterly treatment plan is typically cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
We recommend quarterly pest control treatments, or even bi-monthly in Gainesville, where pests can crop up more frequently because of the heat. For more serious infestations, your exterminator may recommend monthly treatments over the course of the first three to six months.
