Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Like any other city, those living in Columbia often encounter their fair share of pests in their home. If the issue isn’t solved fast, you could end up with a bad infestation. This is why taking action when you see the pests, and also setting up routine pest control, is important.
There are plenty of exterminators to choose from, which makes finding the best one for you difficult. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of the top pest control companies in Columbia. Keep reading to discover the top providers near you.
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Preventative pest control services
Educational web content
Positive customer service reviews
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Commitment to customer education
Lack of hidden fees
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Reviews praise customer service
Educational web content
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Free inspections
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Preventative pest control services
Transparent pricing
Free inspection policy
Reviews praise customer service
Services Offered
Free inspections
Positive customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Preventative pest control services
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Consistently high customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Free inspection policy
Reviews praise customer service
Lack of hidden fees
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 narrowed down the top pest control companies by comparing customer reviews, state availability, costs, and more.
Here’s how they ranked:
Terminix is one of the biggest and longest running pest control companies in the world, with many branches across the United States and 22 other countries. The company offers professional pest control services that are safe for your family.
Terminix helps with dozens of pests in Columbia, and if you’re not 100% satisfied with the service you receive 30 days after treatment, you can get a refund. Terminix offers a free inspection. A qualified exterminator will take a look at your situation and detail a suitable control plan.
Orkin Pest Control is based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the oldest pest control companies with a large network of branches. Because of its vast network, Orkin can offer same-day or next-day service.
Orkin offers a professional property inspection to identify potential problems and develop a suitable treatment plan. Orkin can arrange regular follow-up visits. Also, if you end up with recurring problems or any other immediate pest control needs, you can contact Orkin’s customer service line.
Rentokil, a business service group, is the world's largest and most widely recognized pest control company, which is made up of hundreds of brands worldwide. In North America, Rentokil is the parent company of quite a few local pest control companies like Western Exterminator, Presto-X, and J.C. Ehrlich.
Rentokil offers integrated pest management (IPM) services, which means your pest control expert will focus on both eliminating existing pests and preventing future infestations. Depending on the city, Rentokil and its partners may cover wildlife like rodents, snakes, and birds.
Not all pest control businesses are identical when it comes to reputation, knowledge, and effectiveness. It's important to do your research to determine the best option for your specific pest problem. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a pest control professional:
Look for a pest control company that has experience handling the type of pest you have, whether it’s roaches, bed bugs, termites, rodents, or something else. The company should be able to provide an overview of how they treat your type of pest.
When choosing a pest control company, look for technicians that have the proper state licensing and are certified in pest control methods by industry associations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Obtaining these credentials indicates that a technician has adequate training. Question the company about the training hours required for its technicians as well as its policies for continuing education.
Peruse reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar sites before booking a pest control appointment. Ensure by reading reviews that the company reliably provides effective service and receives positive customer feedback. Also check the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive consistent education on the newest and most advanced pest control treatments. When you select a professional from our list of Columbia's best pest control, you can rest easy knowing you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
Homeowners who want natural, eco-friendly pest control should look for services that use “green” certified solutions. You can also ask about trapping options that don't harm larger pests like mice or other burrowing rodents. However, natural options may be less effective for serious infestations; if you’re dealing with a major pest problem you may need stronger traditional methods. No matter your approach to pest control, any pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) are required to be registered with the EPA.
Leading pest control companies typically offer service guarantees for ongoing plans. This means that if pests remain after the initial treatment, the provider will make another visit and re-treat your home at no cost until the infestation is handled. One-time treatments might not come with reservice guarantees.
Once you have reduced your options to your top pest management companies, contact each one with questions such as:
Take the time to thoroughly assess pest control companies using these questions. This will enable you to hire a qualified provider to effectively handle your pest situation at a fair price.
A variety of pests can find their way into Columbia houses. Some are just harmless, but others can damage your home and carry diseases. All of them can cause anxiety. To help you identify the most commonly seen pests, we analyzed posts on social media and put together a list of the ones mentioned the most.
Our top picks for pest control companies in Columbia are Terminix and Orkin. They're highly regarded in the industry and cover all common pests.
Hiring a pest control company and getting a professional to spray your property every quarter is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and animals from coming inside your home.
For the most part, pest control chemicals are safe. However, they must be handled by a trained professional to make sure they’re used properly. After your house has been sprayed, your exterminator will recommend staying out of your home for a certain period of time. This is generally 2 to 4 hours, but can be up to 24 hours.
In a town like Columbia, where the cost of living is average compared to other cities, the cost of pest control may be a concern. The cost of pest control varies based on several factors, such as 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 usually cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
For apartments and homes, quarterly or bi-monthly pest control treatments are recommended. If you have a more serious infestation, however, you may need to get monthly treatments for a few months until the issue is resolved.
