10 best pest control companies in Lakeland, Florida

In Lakeland, you might come across pests such as moths, spiders and snakes. While you can consider DIY removal and prevention techniques, an active infestation often requires the help of a pest control expert. These certified pest control professionals in Lakeland can identify the problem and resolve it effectively.

A pest infestation can lead to damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family, including your pets. Insects and small animals can cause permanent damage to your home, contaminate foods and spread disease.

Bringing in pest management professionals decreases these dangers. A technician will identify nesting areas, and create an extermination plan, using methods such as sealing entrances, capturing pests or spraying chemicals. Once the right solution is applied, pests can be controlled for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Lakeland

Look for pest control companies in Lakeland with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

What are common pests in Lakeland?

While pests are everywhere, the hot spots for different species differ. Here are some signs of common pests in Lakeland.

• Moths: Clothes moths and pantry moths often invade homes. Clothes moths destroy wool and cotton, leaving behind silky furrows, tunnels, trenches and small tubes, which are larvae casings. Pantry moths burrow holes in plastic food packaging and leave web-like residue in pantry corners. Moths are attracted to ripe fruit, light and fermented sugar.
• Ticks: Though ticks usually stay close to the ground outside, they can get into your home via clothing, shoes or pets. Inside, female ticks can lay eggs in carpet fibers, on curtains or in upholstery. Nests may also be hidden in corners, in the lining or pockets of clothing and along baseboards.
• Spiders: The best way to know you have a spider infestation is a significant uptick in spiderwebs in and around your home. egg sacs and lots of other insects that the spiders can feed on are some other indications of an infestation. Aside from hazardous brown recluses and black widows, which have painful, venemous bites, most spiders found in homes are harmless.
• Ants: Your home could be invaded by various ant types. Carpenter ants burrow into wood, while fire ants like greasy food scraps. Both bite, unlike pavement ants, which also frequently infest homes. Ant trails inside your home signal larger colonies are nearby.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be nocturnal and will flee when a light turns on. However, you may see them during the day if there is a serious infestation. They often nest in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Signs of cockroaches include brown stains on walls and floors, droppings that look like brown or black specks and egg casings. Cockroaches can also spread disease and worsen respiratory issues.
• Snakes: Snakes commonly nest in overgrown grass, rock piles, wood and debris and are more active during the spring and summer months. Signs of a snake infestation include snake eggs and shed snake skins. To test for a snake infestation, sprinkle flour near where you suspect a snake is nesting. If you find a trail through the flour, contact a pest control professional right away.
• Wasps: A surge of wasp activity, including frequent indoor appearances, may signal that there's a nest nearby. Wasp nests can be on or in your home, but they can also be underground, which you may not realize until you accidentally step on one. More hostile than bees, wasps readily swarm, so it's advisable not to attempt nest removal yourself. Seek assistance from pest management experts to remove a wasp nest as they have the tools to do so safely.

How can you prevent pests in your Lakeland home?

Fighting a pest infestation can be challenging, so preventative measures are the most effective way to prevent future problems. Though infestations often require expert intervention, you can take action to keep pests out before they make their way into your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, bugs and small animals can significantly impact your home and well-being. Discuss preventive options with a pest control professional to stop infestations before they start. Experts may suggest that you set traps, seal openings or apply pesticides in specific areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests usually seek out food sources, limiting their food access will stop them from infesting your home. Place food at least half a foot above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep food storage areas, sinks and counters clean and disinfected when not in use. Dispose of food scraps and other garbage regularly, and keep the areas around trash cans and dumpsters clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in standing water, leaves, trash and tall grass in your yard. One of the easiest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard clear of debris and properly maintained with cut grass and pruned foliage. If you require professional landscaping services, find out if national lawn care providers such as TruGreen service in your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small openings into your home will help prevent insects and small animals from entering. Rats, for example, can wriggle into holes just a half-inch in diameter. Repair holes in your roof or siding, and remember to seal broken window frames. Some pest control providers offer specialized pest blocking services to keep critters out.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To ensure you hire a pest control company that's qualified to meet your specific needs, ask these questions.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors pest control chemical use through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. In addition, restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified in accordance with EPA requirements and the laws of relevant states, territories and tribes.

Florida requires pest control technicians to be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Private, Public or Commercial Applicator Licenses are all available through this office.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment plan a pest professional suggests will vary based on the specific treatment method, the severity of the infestation, the particular pest type and the location of the property. In most cases, pest control providers advise against relying on a one-time treatment to get rid of household pests, as there will likely be insects at different stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hidden areas.

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are year-round. They may also suggest bimonthly or quarterly preventative treatments to stop an infestation before it starts.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

How long it takes for your pest issue to go away depends on the infestation type and severity, as well as the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may see a decline in activity, but pests could resurface after hatching, requiring additional treatments. On the other hand, you might notice increased activity following the first treatment, as it can force pests out of hiding. Fortunately, this should decrease within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You should be able to stay in your home during certain portions of the pest control process, such as when entry points are sealed. However, if your service technician applies a pesticide, it might take a few hours to dry completely, and you'll need to leave the house during this period.

Some pest control services can be particularly lengthy. During termite fumigation, the pest control professional must set up a tent around your home for three days to release the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to stay at a hotel or with friends or family.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A service professional will know how much of a particular product to use, how long it takes to dry and when children and pets can safely return to the area that's been treated. Before applying any treatment, they should educate you on what you must remove from the affected space, such as plants, food and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest treatment companies provide environmentally conscious methods for treating infestations. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Some examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing up gaps for pests, setting catch-and-release traps for rodents, and using pesticides derived from organic ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place if pests return before a certain date. Companies may offer a single treatment or recurring treatments to resolve a stubborn pest problem. Ask your service provider what options they offer.

Our methodology for selecting pest control companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score. We review national pest control companies against our full pest control methodology. We score pest control companies based on service options, safety and certifications, service guarantees and customer service.