Best 10 Pest Control Companies in Tallahassee, FL

Pests such as wasps and rats can be a nuisance in any Tallahassee home. If you're dealing with an infestation, a licensed exterminator can help you contain it before pests damage your health and home.

No matter the nature of the infestation you're facing, our list of the best pest control companies in Tallahassee can help you find the right pros to tackle it.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

There are several factors that you can take into consideration when choosing the right pest control professionalfor you. Things you might consider include licensing and qualifications, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.

Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.

Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?

Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Florida must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer other certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.

Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help to prove a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

How long a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's own website can also inform you whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, contacting the company directly is a great way to learn about its areas of expertise.

Reviews and Recommendations

You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Florida licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.

When considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the problem is satisfactorily handled?

Safety and Treatment Methods

When picking a pest control provider, you want to select one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.

Safety

Make sure to ask your pest control technician if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they will have in place. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to supply information about all of the pesticides that they are going to use.

Treatment Methods

Many pest control companies have started making the switch to using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:

1. Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
2. Decide on the safest course of action.
3. Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
4. Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
5. Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in Tallahassee

You might deal with some pests more frequently in Tallahassee. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:

• Moths: If you're noticing holes in your linens or clothing, there's a chance that you have moths in your house. Moths like dark places like closets, and are more commonly found in warmer places (like Tallahassee).
• Beetles: In Tallahassee and across the country, there are a diverse array of beetles that could create problems. While many beetles are harmless, others can do damage by eating wood, carpeting, and more.
• Cockroaches: You can find cockroaches in many parts of Florida, although they prefer wetter areas. This can make them an even bigger problem in Tallahassee. Cockroaches can come inside through small cracks, and some can carry diseases like salmonella.
• Mice: Common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where you keep food.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Florida and can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often hard to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
• Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your attic or other dark, damp places. Even though most species of spider are harmless to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your house.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association