10 best pest control companies in Friendswood, Texas

In Friendswood, ants, mosquitos and flies are the most common source of issues. Taking preventative measures by yourself can help you prevent pest issues, but contacting a pest control company is best if you notice an existing infestation. Experienced pest experts in Friendswood know how to accurately identify pests, use proper chemicals and methods and resolve your pest problem.

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

Hiring a professional pest control company can lower these risks. A technician will find nesting areas, and create a treatment plan, using methods such as shutting off entry points, capturing pests or spraying chemicals. The right pest solution can take care of your pest infestation for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Friendswood

Look for pest control companies in Friendswood 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 Friendswood?

While pests are everywhere, not all of them invade the same locations. Here are some signs of common pests in Friendswood.

• Mosquitos: Standing water attracts mosquitoes, so humid climates and nearby bodies of water increase your infestation chances. Mosquitoes alert you to their presence with a sharp buzzing noise. They're most active at night — feeding after sunset. You may overlook their bites initially, but the surrounding skin eventually becomes itchy and swollen. Mosquitoes are also known to transmit diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile and malaria.
• Ants: Many different types of ants can infest your home. Carpenter ants are drawn to wood, while fire ants like greasy food. Both types bite, unlike pavement ants, which can also frequently find their way inside. If you see a trail of ants in your home, it signifies a larger infestation nearby.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be nocturnal and will scatter when a light turns on. However, you may see them running across surfaces if there is a serious infestation. They often nest in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Signs of cockroaches include egg casings, brown stains on walls and floors and droppings that look like brown or black specks. Cockroaches can also carry disease and aggravate respiratory issues.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during the warmer months and make homes among wood, debris, areas withovergrown grass and rock piles. 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, get in touch with a pest control expert right away.
• 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, especially around the ankles. Fleas can also carry various diseases, such as the bubonic plague.
• 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, high shelves and sink drains. Another sign of an infestation is finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Termites: Termites feed on cellulose fibers found in wood. Signs of an infestation include droppings, termite swarms, cracked or bubbling paint, mud tubes and wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it.

How can you prevent pests in your Friendswood 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 reduce the risk of infestations.

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 specialist 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 stop them from infesting your home. Place food at least half a foot above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep sinks, food storage areas and counters 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 leaves, tall grass, standing water 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 cover your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small entryways will help keep insects and small animals from entering your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as little as half-inch in diameter. Inspect your roof and siding for gaps, and be sure to seal off damaged window frames. Some pest control companies specialize in keeping pests out.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To find a pest control provider with the proper qualifications for your individual needs, ask the following questions during the hiring process.

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?

What treatment schedule a pest specialist advises will depend on the treatment type, pest type, property location and infestation severity. Pest control services generally do not advocate for 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 professionals generally advise continuous treatments, with some taking place only in the warmer months and others happening year-round. Preventative measures may also be recommended to stop infestations before they begin.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

How long it takes for your pest problem to disappear will vary based 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 after the initial treatment, as it can force pests from their hiding places. 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 vacate the premises.

Certain treatments can be especially time-consuming like termite fumigation. The pest control provider erects a tent around your home, which is left in place for three days to release the pesticide. During this period, you'll need to find another place to stay.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A service professional will know how much of a particular product to use, how long it takes to dry and when children and pets can safely come back to the area that's been treated. Before applying any treatment, they should educate you on what you must remove from the affected space, such as food, plants and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Some pest control providers offer green solutions for treating infestations. This involves using products and techniques that don't impact the environment as much as conventional chemical approaches. Some examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing entry points for pests, setting catch-and-release traps for rodents, and using pesticides derived from organic ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place if pests return before a certain date. Companies may offer a single treatment or continuous services to resolve a stubborn pest problem. Ask your service provider what options 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.