10 best pest control companies in The Woodlands, Texas

In The Woodlands, you may encounter pests such as cockroaches, mosquitos and flies. DIY prevention techniques may help your pest problem, but you may need to bring in a pest control company for an existing infestation. Qualified pest control professionals in the The Woodlands area have the knowledge to inspect your home, use appropriate treatments and resolve your pest problems.

A pest infestation can lead to property damage and pose health risks to you and your loved ones, including your pets. Insects and small animals can cause long-term damage to your home, contaminate your food supplies and spread disease.

Hiring a professional pest control company can reduce these risks. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create personalized treatment plans that could include closing off gaps, using traps or spraying chemicals. Once the right solution is administered, pests can be kept at bay for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in The Woodlands

Look for pest control companies in The Woodlands 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 The Woodlands?

Different pests invade different areas. Here are some indications of common pests in the The Woodlands area.

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches come out at night and run away when you switch a light on. With a serious infestation, however, you may see them during the day. Their nesting spots tend to be in kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Cockroaches often leave droppings that look like brown or black specks, brown stains on walls and floors and egg casings. They can spread disease and worsen respiratory issues and allergies.
• Fleas: Fleas typically target pets. Your pet may have fleas if it scratches itself constantly and has black dots on its skin. While fleas don't live on human skin or hair, they do jump up and bite people, especially around the ankles. Fleas can also carry various diseases, such as the bubonic plague.
• Spiders: A increasing number of spiderwebs in your home is the strongest indication of a spider infestation. Many insects in the area for spider food and the presence of egg sacs are some more signs you may have a spider problem. Most spiders you may find in your home aren't dangerous, with the exception of the black widow and brown recluse. Both are venemous and can deliver painful bites that require medical attention.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during the warmer months and make homes in debris, wood, rock piles and areas withovergrown grass. Signs of a snake infestation include the appearance of snake skins and snake eggs. You can test for a snake infestation by laying down some flour where you think a snake lives. If you see trail marks in the flour, get in touch with a pest control expert right away.
• Flies: Flies often buzz around homes in the summer, but a noticeable increase could mean an infestation. Fly droppings look like black specks and are often found in around trash, sink drains and high shelves. Another sign of an infestation is finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.

How can you prevent pests in your The Woodlands home?

A full-blown infestation probably needs professional intervention. However, there are things you can do before pests become a problem to keep them at bay.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals can wreak havoc on your home and health if not addressed promptly. Talk to a pest control professional about preventative measures to stop pests from entering your living space. Their recommendations may include sealing off small entry points, placing traps or applying pesticides around the area.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

As pests are typically looking for food, making food difficult to access will keep them from sticking around. Food should be a minimum of six inches off the floor and a short distance away from the walls. Make sure to keep counters, sinks and food storage areas clean and disinfected when not in use, and dispose of food scraps and other trash regularly. Maintain the areas around your trash cans and dumpsters.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in standing water, leaves, trash and tall grass. Keeping your yard clear of debris and your lawn and foliage well-maintained is one of the most straightforward ways to stop an infestation before it starts. If professional lawn maintenance is needed, find out if national lawn care services such as TruGreen cover your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off small entryways will help keep insects and small animals from infiltrating your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as tiny as half-inch in diameter. Inspect your roof and siding for holes, and be sure to seal off damaged window frames. Some pest control companies specialize in pest exclusion.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To find a pest control service with the proper qualifications for your individual needs, ask the following questions during the hiring process.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the use of pest control chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Additionally, the EPA requires restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors to have certification in accordance with the agency and state, territorial and tribal laws.

Texas pest control professionals must register their business and be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture in order to legally provide pesticide services. They should have earned either a Commercial or Private Applicator License.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment plan a pest professional recommends will vary based on the particular pest type, the specific treatment method, the severity of the infestation 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 various stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hidden areas.

Pest specialists often suggest recurring treatments, some of which may be limited to the warmer months, while others happen across all seasons. As a proactive measure, they might also recommend preventive treatments every two or three months to stop infestations from developing.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

How long it takes for your pest problem to go away will vary based on the infestation type and extent, 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 further treatments. On the other hand, you might notice increased activity following the initial treatment, as it can drive pests from their hiding places. Fortunately, this should subside 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 several hours to dry, and you'll need to stay out of your home 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 apply 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?

An experienced pest control professional can gauge how much of a product to use, the time needed for it to dry and when children and pets can safely return to the treated location. Before beginning any treatment, your service provider should inform you about what should be removed from the area, including food, plants and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Some pest control providers offer green solutions for treating an infestation. These companies employ products that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing potential pest entry points, trapping rodents and using naturally sourced pesticides.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control companies provide guarantees and warranties in the event that pests reappear before a specific date. To resolve a returning pest issue, specialists may offer a single treatment or continued treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the packages 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.