10 best pest control companies in Alabaster, Alabama

In Alabaster, you can face pests such as spiders, fleas and rats. DIY prevention techniques may help your pest problem, but you may need to use a pest control company for an existing infestation. These licensed pest control professionals in Alabaster can pinpoint the problem and treat it effectively.

Pests that invade your property put your home, family and pets in danger. Insects and small animals can cause long-term structural damage, contaminate foods and spread disease.

A reputable pest control company can reduce these risks. They'll determine where pests have nested, and create a treatment plan that could include closing off entry points, using traps or spraying chemicals. With the right solution in place, your pest problem can be solved for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Alabaster

Look for pest control companies in Alabaster 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 Alabaster?

While pests are all over, the hot spots for different species vary. If you think you have an infestation, here are some indications of common pests in the Alabaster area:

• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are wingless insects about the size and shape of apple seeds. They have a reddish-brown flat appearance. Apartment buildings and hotels can harbor them and follow you home by getting into used furniture, clothing, backpacks and purses. They nest in beds and sleeping areas by day, then come out at night. If you see the insects themselves or find blood smears on your bedding or mattress, you may have a bed bug infestation.
• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear scurrying in your walls or ceiling. Rats also create entry points for themselves by gnawing through walls, doors and food packaging.
• Ants: Numerous ant species might invade your property. Carpenter ants target wood while fire ants go after oily or greasy food debris. Both of these two varieties bite, while pavement ants don't. Pavement ants also often find their way indoors. Finding a line of ants in your home means a a larger infestion is nearby.
• Fleas: Fleas typically target pets. Your pet may have fleas if it's constantly scratching itself and has black dots on its skin. While fleas don't live on human skin or hair, they do jump up and bite people, particularly around the ankles. Fleas can also spread various diseases, such as the bubonic plague.
• Wasps: If you see more wasps than usual, and they start to make their way into your home frequently, you may have a nest nearby. Nests can be above or below ground, which you may not realize until you accidentally disturb one. Wasps show more aggression than bees and will swarm. Do not attempt wasp nest removal on your own, as this can be very risky.

How can you prevent pests in your Alabaster home?

Getting rid of pests isn’t easy, but a good defense is always the best offense. While an infestation probably requires professional help, there are steps you can take on your own to mitigate the risk of pests.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, pests can significantly affect your home and well-being. Discuss preventive options with a pest control company to stop infestations before they start. Experts may suggest that you set traps, seal gaps or apply pesticides in specific areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Pests primarily seek food, so making food hard to reach will keep them on their way. Keep food a minimum of half a foot off the floor and a bit away from the walls. Always ensure food storage areas, counters and sinks stay clean and sanitized between uses. Get rid of food scraps and other trash regularly, and keep your trash cans and dumpster areas clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

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

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off entry points will stop insects and small animals from making their way indoors. Rats, for instance, can fit through openings as little as half an inch wide. Be sure to address openings in your roof or siding and seal damaged window frames. Some pest control companies focus specifically on pest prevention and can help you with this task.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to make sure you get a pest control company that can address your specific needs.

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 following EPA requirements and the laws of relevant states, territories and tribes.

Pest control professionals in Alabama are required to have a Commercial Applicator Permit. They are certified through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment schedule a pest specialist recommends will depend on the property location, pest type, infestation severity and treatment type. Pest control companies generally do not recommend getting a single treatment to rid a home of pests, as insects are often at different points in their life cycle, and can lay eggs in areas that are hard to access.

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are carried out in all seasons. 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 problem to go away will vary depending 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 notice a decline in activity, but pests could resurface after hatching, requiring supplementary treatments. On the other hand, you might notice increased activity following the initial treatment, as it can drive pests out of hiding. Fortunately, this should get better within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can remain in your home for some parts of the pest control treatment, such as sealing entry points. If your service professional uses a pesticide, it may take a few hours before it's dry, during which time you'll need to be out of the house.

Certain pest control treatments can take a while. For termite fumigation, the pest control company sets up a tent over your entire home for three days to release the pesticide. You'll have to seek accommodation elsewhere during this process.

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 animals, food and plants.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control providers offer environmentally friendly methods for addressing infestations. These companies employ products that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing off areas where pests can gain access, using catch-and-release traps or applying pesticides made from natural sources.

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 one-time treatment or ongoing 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.