10 best pest control companies in Arlington, Massachusetts

Pests most often seen in Arlington are rats, mice and flies. Taking preventative measures on your own can help you prevent pest problems, but calling a pest control company is best if you notice an existing infestation. Experienced pest experts in Arlington know how to correctly identify pests, apply suitable treatments and resolve your pest problem.

Letting a pest issue go unchecked can introduce a variety of risks to you, your loved ones and your pets. Insects and small animals can cause irreversible structural damage to your home, contaminate your food and spread disease.

A licensed pest control company can reduce these risks. A pest professional will spot infestations and treat them in a variety of ways, from sealing cracks and holes to using traps or pesticides. When the proper fixes are put in place, you can get rid of infestations for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Arlington

Look for pest control companies in Arlington 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 Arlington?

Different pests invade different regions. Check for the following signs of common Arlington pests to determine whether you have an infestation:

• Flies: Everyone sees the occasional fly buzzing around their home during the summer months, but if you see more than usual, there’s a good chance you have an infestation. Flies leave feces that look like clusters of black dots and often appear near kitchen sinks, high shelves and around trash. Another sign of an infestation is the presence of maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Mice: If you have mice in your house, you may see one darting through a room or find droppings about the size of a grain of rice. Mice tend to chew on furniture and emit a distinctive musky smell. They make their nests from found materials and shredded fiber. Mice like to nest in tight spaces, so you may hear them rustling in your walls or ceilings.
• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear scratching in your walls or ceiling. Rats will also eat into food wrappings and chew through walls and doors to create access points.
• Beetles: Several beetle varieties can enter homes and damage your home and belongings. Carpet beetles can destroy bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture, while biscuit beetles get into rice, spices, seeds, pasta and beans. Beetles are generally harmless as they don't bite or transmit disease, but they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Fleas: If you notice your pet has black flecks on its skin and it's constantly scratching itself, you may have a flea problem. Although fleas can't live on human skin or hair, if you have an infestation, you'll often find red, itchy marks near your feet and ankles from them leaping up and biting. Fleas also transmit disease, such as the bubonic plague.

How can you prevent pests in your Arlington 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 are disruptive and can cause extensive damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control professional about taking preemptive measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing gaps, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests typically seek out food sources, limiting their food access will prevent them from invading your home. Place food at least six inches above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep counters, food storage areas and sinks clean and sanitized 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, tall grass and trash. 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 are available in your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off small entrances will help keep insects and small animals from infiltrating your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as small 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 company with the proper qualifications for your individual needs, ask the following questions during the hiring process.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of pest control chemicals. Moreover, the EPA requires restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors to hold certifications according to the agency's standards and the laws of the affected states, territories and tribes.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources issues commercial applicator licenses and certifications to those providing pest control services in Massachusetts. Professionals must have a Commercial Applicator License or Certification in order to practice.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

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

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?

The time it will take for your pest problem to go away depends on the nature and extent of the infestation as well as the pest's life cycle. After your home's initial treatment, you might notice a decrease in activity, but pests may reemerge after hatching, requiring additional treatments. Conversely, you could see a spike in activity following the first treatment, as it can drive pests from their hiding spots. Fortunately, this should decrease within a matter of days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You should be able to stay in your home for some stages of the pest control treatment, such as when the professional is sealing up entry points. But if a pesticide is used, it may need several hours to dry, and you'll have to vacate your home while it dries.

Some services take a particularly long time. During termite fumigation, the pest control company needs to erect a tent around your home for three days to release the pesticide. You must stay elsewhere during that time.

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 taken out of the area, including food, plants and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest control companies provide environmentally friendly methods for addressing infestations. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing areas where pests might get in, using humane traps for 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 one-time treatment or continued treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the options available.

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.