Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
River Forest is home to 11 thousand people and, much to our dismay, an untold amount of pests. Homeowners and apartment dwellers who have a preventative pest control plan can avoid encounters with these uninvited tenants. Fortunately, pest control companies can help you with this problem.
There are many great exterminator options, so the Today's Homeowner team has researched some of the top pest control companies in River Forest to help you make the right decision. Read on to learn more about each exterminator.
Commitment to customer education
Lack of hidden fees
Consistently high customer service reviews
Free inspections
Proactive approach to pest control
Services Offered
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Transparent pricing
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Educational web content
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Preventative pest control services
Free inspection policy
Services Offered
Free inspection policy
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Services Offered
Reliable exterminators
Free inspection policy
Transparent pricing
Positive customer service reviews
Preventative pest control services
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Timeliness of service
Free inspections
Proactive solutions for pest control
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Lack of hidden fees
Consistently high customer service reviews
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Positive customer service reviews
Educational web content
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Proactive solutions for pest control
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Reviews praise customer service
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Commitment to customer education
No-cost inspections
Reliable exterminators
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
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:
Today's Homeowner’s experts identified the top pest control providers by comparing customer reviews, state availability, costs, and more.
This is how we ranked them:
Terminix is one of the biggest and oldest pest control companies in the world, with branches in 45 states and 22 other countries. It uses the latest technology in pest control to get rid of pests anywhere you see them.
Terminix offers both one-off extermination services and seasonal pest control. Plus, every contract comes with a 30-day guarantee. In addition to pest control, Terminix has services, like home disinfection services, attic insulation, mechanical exclusion, and moisture control.
Started in 1901 by a rat poison salesman named Otto, the Orkin brand has evolved into one of the most trusted in the pest control industry. Due to its vast network, Orkin can offer next-day, or sometimes even same-day, service.
Orkin’s typical pest control plan is its annual pest control contract. Each contract with Orkin comes with a 30-day guarantee. If initial treatments are ineffective, your technician will return for another visit.
Rentokil is a respected name in pest control, with providers across the globe and almost a century of experience in the industry. In North America, Rentokil is the parent company of quite a few local pest control branches like J.C. Ehrlich, Presto-X, and Western Exterminator.
It handles 36 of the most common pests such as rats, mice, bed bugs, cockroaches, moths, flies, spiders, and more. Depending on the city, Rentokil and its partners may cover wildlife like rodents, snakes, and birds.
Pest control providers aren't all the same when it comes to credibility, qualifications, and effectiveness. It’s important to research providers to find the right one for your specific circumstance. Focus on these key factors when selecting a pest control company:
It's best to 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 clearly describe on their website its expertise with your specific pest.
When choosing a pest control company, look for technicians with certifications in pest control methods from respected industry associations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), in addition to proper state licensing. Solid credentials indicate that the technicians have completed adequate training. Also inquire about continuing education policies and total training hours.
We advise reading customer reviews prior to scheduling a pest control appointment. Google, Yelp, and similar sites will show whether a company consistently provides quality service and a good customer experience. Also check the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints that have been filed. Ask about the kind of ongoing education technicians receive to stay current on best pest control practices. When you select a company from our list of River Forest'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 natural pest control methods, look for companies with “green” accreditation. For bigger animals such as mice or snakes, ask if a provider offers gentle catch and release programs. But keep in mind natural options may not work as well for major infestations. If you have a considerable pest problem, you may need stronger traditional methods. Whether you choose eco-friendly or traditional options, all pesticides that are classified as greater than minimal risk must be registered with the EPA.
Reliable pest control companies typically offer service guarantees for recurring plans. These guarantees mean the provider will make another visit and re-treat your home for free if pests remain after the first treatment. One-time services may not include reservice guarantees.
Once you have determined your top exterminators, reach out to each one to ask these questions:
Evaluate potential pest control companies based on their answers to these questions. This will allow you to choose the best provider to effectively resolve your pest problem at a reasonable cost.
A variety of pests end up finding their way into River Forest homes. Some are just harmless, but others can damage your home and carry diseases. All of them can cause anxiety. To give you an idea of the most common pests in the city, we examined the pests mentioned in around 10 million posts on social media.
Our top picks for the best pest control companies are Terminix and Orkin. They're well known in the industry and cover all common pests.
Hiring a pest control company and getting a professional to spray your property once every quarter is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and other wildlife from coming inside your house.
Pest control chemicals are safe but must be handled by a professional. If you have any questions about the safety of the chemicals — such as if they're safe around children and pets — and how long you have to stay out of your house after using them, you can ask the exterminator. Generally, you should remain outside your home for two to four hours after spraying.
To find the right pest control company for you, the key is to take time to research your options thoroughly. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies and looking at reviews to help figure out which company is the right one for you.
In a town like River Forest, where the cost of living is high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. The cost of pest control depends 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, but a quarterly treatment plan is generally cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
We recommend quarterly pest control treatments, or even bi-monthly if needed. For larger infestations, your exterminator may recommend monthly treatments for the first three to six months.
