10 best pest control companies in Florence, South Carolina

Pests such as cockroaches, ants and spiders can regularly invade houses in Florence. Implementing preventative measures yourself can help you prevent pest problems, but calling a pest control company is best if you spot signs of an existing infestation. Licensed pest experts in Florence know how to accurately identify pests, use proper chemicals and methods and resolve your pest problem.

Pests that infest your property put your home and loved ones at risk. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause irreversible damage to your home and spread disease.

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 pesticides. 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 Florence

Look for pest control companies in Florence 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 Florence?

Though pests are found everywhere, they don't equally impact the same regions. If you think you have an infestation, here are some signs of common pests in the Florence area:

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be active at night and will flee when a light turns on. However, you may see them running across surfaces if you have a serious infestation. They often nest in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Signs of cockroaches include brown stains on walls and floors, egg casings and droppings that look like brown or black specks. Cockroaches can also carry disease and aggravate respiratory issues.
• Snakes: Snakes become more active when the weather is warm, nesting in wood, overgrown grass, debris and rock piles. Snake skins and snake eggs indicate an infestation. If you think you might have a snake, sprinkle flour in the suspected areas. If you see trails in the flour, contact a pest control professional for help removing the snake.
• 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.
• Ants: Your home could be invaded by various ant types. Carpenter ants nest in wood, while fire ants like oily food scraps. Both bite, unlike pavement ants, which also frequently invade homes. Ant trails inside your home indicate larger colonies are nearby.
• Ticks: Ticks can easily enter homes by hitching a ride on shoes, pets or clothing, after they're picked up by you or your family while outdoors. Once inside, a female tick can lay her eggs in upholstery, in carpet fibers or on curtains. Other common nesting spots include in the lining or pockets of clothing, along baseboards and in corners.

How can you prevent pests in your Florence 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

Bugs and small animals can wreak havoc on your home and health if not addressed quickly. Talk to a pest control expert 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

Because pests commonly seek out food sources, limiting their food access will prevent them from invading your home. Place food at least half a foot above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep counters, sinks and food storage areas clean and disinfected when not in use. Dispose of food scraps and other garbage consistently, and keep the areas around trash cans and dumpsters clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can take refuge in tall grass, standing water, trash and leaves in your yard. One of the easiest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard clean and properly maintained with cut grass and pruned foliage. If you require professional landscaping services, check if national lawn care providers such as TruGreen are available in your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small openings into your home will help prevent insects and small animals from entering. Rats, for example, can wriggle into holes just half an inch in diameter. Repair cracks in your roof or siding, and remember to seal broken window frames. Some pest control providers offer specialized pest exclusion services to keep critters out.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to make sure you hire a pest control provider that can meet your specific needs.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs 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.

Pest control professionals must have earned a Commercial, Non-commercial, Business, Private or Dealer Certification in order to apply or sell pesticides in South Carolina. Licenses are issued through the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation.

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 location of the property and the severity of the infestation. In most cases, pest control providers advise against relying on a one-time treatment to eliminate household pests, as there will likely be insects at different stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot locations.

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are carried out throughout the year. 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 will take for your pest issue to go away depends on the infestation type and severity and the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may see a decrease in activity, but pests can return after they hatch, requiring further treatments. You may also notice increased activity after the first treatment, as it can flush pests out of hiding places. Luckily, this should decrease within a few days.

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 stay out of 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 release the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to stay elsewhere.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

An experienced pest control professional knows 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 plants, animals and food.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control providers offer eco-friendly methods for addressing infestations. This involves using methods that don't impact the environment as much as conventional chemical approaches. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing potential entry points where pests can gain access, humanely trapping rodents or applying pesticides made from natural ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control providers offer guarantees and warranties should pests reappear before a specified date. Some companies may provide a one-time solution, while others offer ongoing treatments to address recurring pest issues. Discuss the available options with your pest control expert.

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.