If you have a pest problem, before you hire an exterminator learn what you can do yourself. This articles in this section describes the most common household pests and offers tips for eliminating them. Except for termites and bedbugs, you should be able to cure most pest problems yourself.
If you need an exterminator, our ratings of local services will help. Some companies were rated “superior” overall by 90 percent or more of their surveyed customers, but others received such favorable ratings from fewer than 60 percent of respondents.
Prices for household pest treatments also vary widely. Don’t assume that you have to pay more to get good pest control: Our evaluation revealed no relationship between prices and customer satisfaction.
The biggest waste of money? Paying for unneeded services. Many companies advise customers to sign on for year-round service, even though, for most household pests, a single treatment done properly should do the trick. Avoid getting and paying for applications you don’t need.
Think you have termites? Get several inspections and cost proposals. Some companies recommend services when there is neither an active infestation nor a serious threat of one. And prices vary widely: To treat a small infestation, one of our undercover shoppers was quoted prices ranging from less than $1,000 to more than $3,000.
Check the company’s guarantee. Will they pay for pest damages or just re-treatment? How often will they come over to inspect at no extra charge? And how do you keep the guarantee in effect?
Be skeptical of companies’ claims offering “natural” or “green” pest control services. We’ve found that many companies that claim to provide natural solutions use the same pesticides and methods used in conventional treatments.
Carefully review all product safety labels. Many pesticides can be harmful to your family, pets, and the environment.
