Best 10 Pest Control Companies in McHenry, IL

In any McHenry home, pests such as rats and bed bugs may give you cause for concern. These nuisance critters can damage both health and houses, but licensed exterminators can help stop them in their tracks.

Our list of the top pest control companies in McHenry can help you choose the right team to tackle any pest problem, large or small.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

The most important step is selecting the best pest control company for the job. Important factors include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.

Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.

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

All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, must be licensed via the appropriate Illinois regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, while issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

A pest control company can receive optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations in order to back up its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain training standards for employees.

Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. Holding membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps show that a company is reputable. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to resources, education, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

For the most part, a company provides information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you can't get the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.

Reviews and Recommendations

Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. Additionally, you can verify the status of a company's license through the Illinois 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 confirm whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatments until the problem is satisfactorily handled?

Safety and Treatment Methods

Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when picking a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that uses eco-friendly treatment methods.

Safety

Your pest control provider should be able to discuss the safety of the pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.

Treatment Methods

Many companies are now trialing options for more environmentally friendly treatment methods before employing harsh pesticides.

One popular way of making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:

1. Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
2. Determine the best and safest course of action.
3. Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
4. Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
5. Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in McHenry

You might run into some pests more often in McHenry. Some to keep an eye out for include these:

• Flies: Flies can be a nuisance in your McHenry home year-round, but they tend to be more common in warmer weather. Flies might be found around sinks or in areas where you keep food.
• Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other moist, dark areas. Even though most species of spider are harmless to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your home.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Illinois and can lead to big problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be hard to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, bedsheets, wallpaper, and more.
• Mice: If you have mice, you may notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is kept.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association