Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Pests can be a nuisance, particularly in a city like Ellicott City, which typically has hot summers. Without a pest control regimen in place, the chance of recurring infestation is high.
Pest control is an important matter. That’s why the team at Today's Homeowner has done the research and put together this list of the best pest control companies in Ellicott City for you. Keep reading to discover the top providers near you.
Proactive approach to pest control
Positive customer service reviews
Helpful homeowner content on its website
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Free inspections
Services Offered
Free inspections
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Positive customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Proactive approach to pest control
Reliable appointment windows
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Lack of hidden fees
No-cost inspections
Educational web content
Services Offered
Offerings of preventative treatments
Positive customer service reviews
Commitment to customer education
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Positive customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Proactive approach to pest control
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Educational web content
Reviews praise customer service
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Free inspections
Reviews praise customer service
Educational web content
Lack of hidden fees
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Preventative pest control services
Services Offered
Lack of hidden fees
Proactive approach to pest control
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Free inspections
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 narrowed it down to these pest control providers by analyzing pest control treatments offered, customer reviews, state availability, contracts, costs, and more.
Here’s how the top providers ranked:
Terminix’s headquarters are in Memphis, Tennessee, but it has branches in 45 states and several countries around the globe. It has also been in business for nearly 100 years. It uses the latest pest control techniques to rid your property of pests no matter where you find them.
Terminix offers both one-off 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, with three seasonal treatments over the course of a year.
Started in 1901 by a rat poison salesman named Otto, the Orkin brand has evolved into one of the most reputable in the pest control industry. Its pest control specialists have to undergo 160 hours of training. And, due to its big network, it can often provide next-day — or even same-day — visits.
Orkin takes care of many common pests, including cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and spiders. After the first visit, your technician will follow up regularly to make sure that the pests have not returned. If they have, your local technicians can assist
Rentokil is a service group with over 90 years of experience. The company provides professional pest control treatments for homeowners and business owners. Rentokil is the parent company of top North American pest control providers such as J.C. Ehrlich, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X, which can provide tailored services.
Rentokil and its partners control for the following pests: bed bugs, flies, ants, wasps, mosquitoes, moths, bees, cockroaches, crickets, and spiders. Depending on the city, the pest control company may cover wildlife like rodents, snakes, and birds.
Pest control services vary in reputation, expertise, and effectiveness. It's important to research services to find the right fit for your pest problem. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a pest control professional:
Look for a pest control company that is able to handle the type of pest you have, whether it’s termites, bed bugs, roaches, rodents, or something else. The company should be able to explain their approach for treating your type of pest.
Look for pest control companies with technicians that have certifications in pest control methods from expert organizations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), in addition to state licensing. Having the proper credentials indicates that the technicians have received adequate training. Also ask about regular training updates.
Peruse reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar sites before booking a pest control appointment. Verify for yourself that the company reliably provides effective service and receives positive customer feedback. Also check for any Better Business Bureau complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive ongoing education on the latest and most innovative pest control treatments. When you select a company from our list of the top pest control in Ellicott City, 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" accreditations. If you’re dealing with larger pests, such as mice or raccoons nesting in trees, you can also inquire about humane catch and release methods. Bear in mind that natural pest control options may be less effective; consider the traditional route if dealing with a serious infestation. Regardless of what methods you choose, 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 company will come back and re-treat for free if you still have pests in your home after the initial treatment. One-time treatments may not come with reservice guarantees.
Once you have determined your top exterminators, contact each one with these questions:
Assess potential pest control companies based on their answers to these questions. This will allow you to choose the right provider to effectively fix your pest problem at a reasonable cost.
There are various types of pests in Ellicott City, ranging from harmless bothers to ones that can damage your home. So you can have an idea of the most prevalent pests in the city, we studied the pests mentioned in around 10 million posts on social media.
The top pest control providers are Terminix and Orkin. They cover all common pests, have locations nationwide, and have been in business for several decades.
The best way to prevent a pest infestation is having a pest control company come to your house once every quarter or every two to three months. Spraying your property regularly will stop insects and animals from returning.
The key to finding the right exterminator for you is to get in touch with multiple companies and get estimates from them. You should also make sure you read reviews to check their reputation and customer satisfaction.
In a city like Ellicott City, where the cost of living is really high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. How much pest control costs depends on several factors, including what kind of pests you have an issue with and how bad the infestation is. A single visit can cost between $300 and $500, while a quarterly treatment plan is generally cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
If you already have a serious pest infestation, you should seek pest control as soon as possible. However, if you just want preventative pest control, the best time of year to have a professional spray your house is in the spring before colony numbers get too high when it's warmer. But it’s never too late for pest control. You can still spray in the summer or any other season and see effective results.
