10 best pest control companies in Galveston, Texas

In Galveston, mosquitos, snakes and fleas are the most common cause of issues. Taking preventative measures by yourself can help you avoid pest problems, but reaching out to a pest control company is recommended if you notice an existing infestation. These experienced pest control professionals in Galveston can diagnose the problem and resolve it safely and effectively.

A pest infestation can lead to property damage and pose health risks to you and your family, including your pets. Insects and small animals can pass on disease, damage your home's structure and contaminate food.

Hiring a professional pest control company can decrease these risks. They'll identify where pests have nested, and customize a treatment plan that could include closing off access points, using traps or spraying pesticides. Once the right solution is applied, pests can be controlled for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Galveston

Look for pest control companies in Galveston 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 Galveston?

Though pests exist everywhere, they don't equally target the same regions. Check for these signs of common Galveston pests to determine whether you have an infestation:

• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are wingless insects about the size and shape of apple seeds. They have a reddish-brown flat appearance. Multi-unit apartments and hotels can harbor them and follow you home by getting into purses, backpacks, clothing and secondhand furniture. They take refuge in beds and sleeping areas by day, then come out while you're sleeping. If you spot the insects themselves or find blood stains on your bedding or mattress, you may have a bed bug infestation.
• Mosquitos: Standing water draws mosquitoes, so living in wet climates or near bodies of water puts your home at a higher risk of infestation. Mosquitoes are nocturnal and signal their presence through a high-pitched buzzing noise. Bites might not be instantly noticeable, but later the spots will become itchy and raised. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile.
• 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 high shelves, sink drains and trash. Another sign of an infestation is finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Snakes: Snakes commonly nest in rock piles, overgrown grass, debris and wood and are more active during the spring and summer months. Signs of a snake infestation include snake eggs and shed snake skins. To test for a snake infestation, pour flour near where you think a snake is nesting. If you find a trail through the flour, contact a pest control professional right away.
• Fleas: You may have a flea problem if your pet is always itching, and you notice black dots on its skin. While they don’t live on human skin or hair, fleas do leap up to bite, particularly around your ankles. Fleas are also responsible for a variety of diseases, including bubonic plague.
• Spiders: The best way to know you have a spider infestation is a noticeable uptick in spiderwebs in and around your home. egg sacs and lots of other insects that the spiders can feed on are some other signs of an infestation. Aside from hazardous brown recluses and black widows, which have venomous bites, most spiders found in homes are harmless.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are mostly active at night, but you may see some during the day if you have a serious infestation. Their nesting areas concentrate around bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Cockroaches commonly leave brown smears on walls and floors and leave droppings that resemble ground black pepper. Cockroaches transmit disease and can even worsen breathing problems.

How can you prevent pests in your Galveston home?

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

Since pests are often in search of sustenance, restricting their access to food sources will deter them from settling in. Store food at least half a foot above the ground and slightly away from walls. Ensure counters, food storage areas and sinks are kept clean and sanitized when not being used. Regularly dispose of food waste and other garbage, and keep the spaces near trash cans and dumpsters clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Pests can hide in leaves, tall grass, standing water and trash in your yard. One of the simplest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard debris-free and properly maintained with mowed 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 access points will help keep insects and small animals from invading your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as little as half-inch in diameter. Inspect your roof and siding for cracks, and be sure to seal off damaged window frames. Some pest control companies specialize in keeping pests out of your home.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To ensure you hire a pest control expert that's qualified to meet your specific needs, ask these questions.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees 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 in accordance 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 recommends will depend on the pest type, property location, infestation severity and treatment type. Pest control providers 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 year-round. 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 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 following the initial treatment, as it can force pests out of hiding. Fortunately, this should decrease within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You should be able to stay in your home during certain portions of the pest control process, such as when holes and cracks are being sealed. However, if your service technician applies a pesticide, it might take a few hours to dry completely, 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 release the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to stay elsewhere.

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 safe for children and pets to re-enter the treated space. Before administering any treatment, they should instruct you on which items such as animals, plants and food must be taken out of the area.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control companies offer environmentally friendly methods for treating an infestation. These companies employ products that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. 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 sources.

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.