10 best pest control companies in Alvin, Texas

In Alvin, snakes, mosquitos and flies are common pests. DIY prevention techniques may improve your pest issue, but you may need to bring in a pest control company for an existing infestation. Licensed pest control professionals in Alvin know how to accurately identify pests, use proper chemicals and methods and resolve your pest problem.

Letting a pest problem go unchecked can introduce a variety of risks to you, your family and your pets. Insects and small animals can spread disease, damage your home's structure and contaminate food.

Bringing in pest management professionals reduces these risks. They'll identify where pests have nested, and tailor 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 Alvin

Look for pest control companies in Alvin 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 Alvin?

Different pests invade different regions. If you suspect you have an infestation, here are some signs of common pests in the Alvin area:

• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, hear scurrying in your walls or ceiling or find droppings about half an inch long. Rats will also nibble into food wrappings and bite into walls and doors to create access points.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs have flat bodies, no wings and are reddish-brown, looking similar to apple seeds in size and shape. Apartment complexes and hotels are usually where you come in contact with them. They get into your home by clinging onto used furniture, purses, clothing and backpacks. They are inactive during the day, concealing themselves in beds and near sleeping areas. They come out at night to feed. Finding the bugs themselves or bloody marks on your mattress or bedding indicates you may have an infestation.
• Ants: Your home could be infested with various ant types. Carpenter ants nest in wood, while fire ants like greasy food scraps. Both bite, unlike pavement ants, which also commonly invade homes. Ant trails inside your home signal larger infestations are nearby.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during the warmer months and make homes among wood, debris, rock piles and overgrown 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, call a pest control professional 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 seeing maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Termites: Termites feed on the cellulose fibers found in wood. They may be present in your home if you notice mud tubes, termite swarms, droppings, cracked or bubbling paint or wood that emits a hollow sound when you knock on it.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are nocturnal, but you may see a few during the day if you have a major infestation. Their nesting areas concentrate around kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Cockroaches commonly leave brown smudges on walls and floors and leave droppings that resemble ground black pepper. Cockroaches spread disease and can even aggravate breathing problems.

How can you prevent pests in your Alvin home?

While an infestation will probably require professional extermination, the best way to avoid pest infestations is to take preventative steps.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

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

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests typically seek out food sources, limiting their food access will discourage them from sticking around. Place food at least six inches above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep food storage areas, counters and sinks clean and disinfected when not in use. Dispose of food scraps and other garbage often, and keep the areas around trash cans and dumpsters neat.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in tall grass, standing water, leaves and trash. 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, check if national lawn care services such as TruGreen cover your region.

Seal off pest entrances

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

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to ensure you get a pest control expert that can handle your specific needs.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates 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 compliant 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?

A pest specialist will make a treatment schedule based on the location of your property, type of treatment, severity of the infestation and type of pest. Pest control technicians typically discourage a single-treatment approach, as insects are frequently at different stages of their life cycles and may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot areas.

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

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 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 out of hiding. Fortunately, this should subside within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can 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 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 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?

A skilled service technician has the knowledge to determine the appropriate amount of product to apply, the drying time required and when it is all right for children and pets to re-enter the treated space. Before administering any treatment, they should instruct you on which items such as food, plants and animals must be taken out of the area.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest exterminators offer eco-friendly methods for managing infestations. This involves using methods that don't impact the environment as much as traditional chemical approaches. Examples include sealing areas where pests can enter, humanely trapping rodents or using pesticides made from natural sources.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place to protect you if pests return before a predetermined date. These companies may offer a one-time treatment or ongoing treatment to tackle a stubborn pest problem. Be sure to discuss the available options with your provider.

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.