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 hot summers in Charleston commonly go hand and hand with a wide range of pest problems, like mosquitos, spiders, and termites. Without a pest control regimen in place, the chance of recurring infestation is high.
We take pest control seriously. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team has done the research and ranked the top pest control companies in Charleston for you. Keep reading to learn more about each exterminator.
Commitment to customer education
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Positive customer service reviews
Preventative pest control services
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Educational web content
Services Offered
Free inspections
Commitment to customer education
Consistently high customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Services Offered
Lack of hidden fees
Educational web content
Consistently high customer service reviews
Free inspections
Services Offered
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspection policy
Reviews praise customer service
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Transparent pricing
Free inspection policy
Services Offered
Educational web content
Proactive approach to pest control
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Commitment to customer education
No-cost inspections
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:
The team at Today's Homeowner narrowed it down to these pest control companies by analyzing state availability, costs, pest control treatments offered, contracts, customer reviews, and more.
Here’s how the top companies ranked:
Terminix is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, but it has branches in 45 states and several countries around the globe. It has also been in the industry for about 100 years. Terminix has received numerous awards for its service, including Angie's List Super Service Award 2017, Watauga County Best of the Best, and Triad's Best Exterminator.
Terminix treats dozens of pests in Charleston, and it offers a 30-day guarantee. Terminix offers a free inspection. A qualified exterminator will take a look at your situation and detail a suitable control plan.
Orkin has been around for over 100 years. Because of its large network, Orkin can provide same-day or next-day service.
Orkin takes care of many common pests, including spiders, cockroaches, ants, and silverfish. Orkin can arrange regular follow-up visits. Also, if you have recurrent problems or any other immediate pest control needs, you can contact Orkin’s customer service.
Rentokil is a service group with over 90 years of experience in the pest control industry. The company provides innovative pest control solutions for homeowners and business owners. Rentokil is the parent company of top North American pest control providers like Western Exterminator, J.C. Ehrlich, and Presto-X, which provide individual services.
Rentokil handles the common pests in Charleston, including bed bugs, mosquitoes, bees, ants, moths, cockroaches, crickets, wasps, flies, and spiders. Its services include preventative maintenance, treatment, and monitoring for pest infestations.
Not all pest control businesses are identical when it comes to reputation, knowledge, and competence. It's important to do your research to determine the most suitable option for your specific pest problem. Focus on these key factors when selecting a pest control provider:
Look for a pest control company that is able to handle the type of pest you have, whether it’s rodents, roaches, bed bugs, termites, or something else. The company should be able to explain their approach for treating your type of pest.
When selecting a pest control provider, look for technicians with certifications in pest control methods from respected industry associations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), on top of proper state licensing. These credentials show that the technicians have completed adequate training. Also ask about continuing education policies and total training hours.
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 the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive ongoing education on the most cutting-edge pest control treatments. When you select a provider from our list of Charleston's best pest control, you can feel confident knowing that 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 humane catch and release methods for larger pests like mice or other burrowing rodents. However, natural options may be less effective for serious infestations, and if you’re dealing with a major pest problem you may need more potent chemical treatments. Regardless of what methods you choose, any pesticides that are classified as greater than minimal risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Reliable pest control professionals typically offer service guarantees for recurring plans. These guarantees mean the provider will return and re-treat your home for free if there are still pests after the first treatment. One-time services may not come with reservice guarantees.
After choosing your top pest management services, call each one and ask questions such as these:
Take the time to thoroughly assess pest control companies using these questions. This will allow you to select a qualified provider to effectively manage your pest situation at a fair price.
There are various types of pests in Charleston, ranging from harmless nuisances to disease-carrying insects. To give you an idea of the most common pests in the city, we studied the pests discussed in around 10 million posts on social media.
Our top picks for the best pest control companies in Charleston are Terminix and Orkin. They're well-respected in the industry and cover 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.
Chemicals used in pest control are safe but need to 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 — or are wondering 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.
In a city like Charleston, where the cost of living is relatively high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control may be a concern. How much pest control costs varies depending on several factors, including what type 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.
Spring is the best time for proactive pest control. This is because nests and colony numbers will get much higher as it gets warmer, so pest control in the spring can help prevent your property from getting too many pests later.
