10 best pest control companies in Indianapolis, Indiana

In Indianapolis, mice, bed bugs and rats are the most frequent cause of issues. You can try preventative measures to avoid potential pest problems, but you may need to contact a pest control company if you are dealing with an infestation. Skilled pest exterminators in the Indianapolis area have the expertise to inspect your home and treat your pest problem.

Pests that infest your property put your home, family and pets in danger. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause long-term damage to your home’s structure and spread disease.

Hiring pest control pros can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation. A pest professional will identify infestations and treat them in a variety of ways, from plugging holes to using traps or pesticides. The right pest treatment can take care of your pest problem for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Indianapolis

Look for pest control companies in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis?

While pests are all over, the hot spots for different species differ. Check for the following signs of common Indianapolis pests to determine whether you have an infestation:

• Spiders: Seeing more spiderwebs and spiders than usual is the clearest sign of spider infestations. Additional clues include a significant number of other insects for the spiders to feed on and visible egg sacs. While spiders found in homes are generally not dangerous, brown recluses and black widows deliver venemous bites that require medical attention.
• Snakes: Snakes commonly nest in rock piles, debris, wood and overgrown grass and are more active during the warmer months of the year. Signs of a snake infestation include shed snake skins and snake eggs. To test for a snake infestation, sprinkle flour near where you suspect a snake is nesting. If you find a trail through the flour, contact a pest control professional right away.
• Bees: Indications of a bee infestation include seeing more bees than usual, finding dark smears on your walls and hearing the sound of buzzing or humming inside your walls. A strange odor may also come from your walls. This happens when mold and fungi grow inside due to honey seeping into the walls or bees dying. Bees can also harm your family and pets, as their stings can cause allergic reactions.
• Mosquitos: Standing water attracts 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 swollen and itchy. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as West Nile, malaria and dengue fever.
• Rats: Signs of a rat problem include seeing a rat, finding droppings about half an inch long or hearing scurrying in your walls or ceiling. Rats can nibble through food packaging, walls and doors to create more entry points for themselves.

How can you prevent pests in your Indianapolis home?

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

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Insects and small animals can cause serious issues for your home and health when left unchecked. The best way to stop these infestations before they start is to work with a pest control service. They may recommend plugging holes, laying traps or spraying pesticides in key areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Pests mainly seek food, so making food hard to reach will keep them on their way. Keep food a minimum of half a foot off the floor and a bit away from the walls. Always ensure counters, sinks and food storage areas stay clean and disinfected between uses. Get rid of food scraps and other trash regularly, and keep your trash cans and dumpster areas neat.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in standing water, tall grass, trash and leaves. 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

Sealing off small access points will prevent insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for example, can squeeze into holes as tiny as a half-inch in diameter. Don't neglect cracks in your roof or siding, and remember to seal up broken window frames. Some pest control services specialize in pest prevention.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

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

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.

A Commercial or Private Applicator's License is required for pest control professionals servicing Indiana. Theses licenses are issued by the Office of Indiana State Chemist.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment plan a pest professional suggests will vary based on the specific treatment method, the severity of the infestation, the particular pest type and the location of the property. 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-find areas.

Pest professionals generally advise ongoing treatments, with some taking place only in the warmer months and others needed 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 will take for your pest issue to be resolved depends on the type and severity of the infestation and the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may see a decline in activity, but pests can return after they hatch, requiring additional treatments. You may also see increased activity after the first treatment, as it can force 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 for certain portions of the pest control treatment, such as sealing entry points. Should your service provider use a pesticide, you'll most likely need to leave your home along with your family and pets while you wait for the pesticide to dry. This typically takes a few hours.

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 apply the pesticide. During this period, you'll need to stay in a hotel or other accommodations.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A professional will understand the proper amount of a product to apply, the duration necessary for it to dry, and when it is safe for children and pets to come back to the treated area. Your pest control provider should let you know what items you must take out of the space such as plants, food and animals before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Some pest control providers offer environmentally friendly methods for addressing an infestation. These companies employ techniques that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing off areas where pests can gain access, capturing 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 continuous service to address recurring pest issues. Discuss the available options with your service professional.

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.