10 best pest control companies in Lansing, Illinois

In Lansing, rats, spiders and flies are common pests. You can take action yourself to prevent potential pest problems, but you may need to call in a pest control company if you are dealing with an infestation. A professional pest control service in Lansing can safely pinpoint, address and solve your pest problems.

Pest infestations pose risks to your home and family. Insects and small animals can cause permanent structural damage, contaminate foods and spread disease.

Bringing in expert pest controllers lowers these dangers. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create custom treatment plans that could include plugging gaps, using traps or applying chemicals. With the right solution in place, your pest problem can be resolved for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Lansing

Look for pest control companies in Lansing 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 Lansing?

Though pests are found everywhere, they don't equally target the same regions. Check for the following indications of common Lansing 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. Apartment complexes and hotels can harbor them and follow you home by getting into secondhand furniture, backpacks, purses and clothing. They nest in beds and sleeping areas by day, then come out at night. If you see the insects themselves or find bloody marks on your bedding or mattress, you may have a bed bug infestation.
• Flies: It's normal to find the occasional fly buzzing around your home during the summer, but if you see a significant number, you could have an infestation. Flies leave waste that looks like clusters of black dots on high shelves, near sink drains and around trash. The presence of maggots, which are fly larvae, in trash or other food waste also suggests an infestation.
• Wasps: If you see more wasps than usual, and they start to getting into your home frequently, you may have a nest nearby. Nests can be above or below ground, which you may not realize until you step on one. Wasps show more aggression than bees and will swarm. Avoid attempting to remove a wasp’s nest on your own, as this can be extremely dangerous.
• Rats: If you hear scratching in your walls or ceiling or find droppings about half an inch long, you may have rats. Rats nibble through doors, food bags and walls, forming entryways for themselves.
• Mosquitos: Standing water draws 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 nocturnal creatures — biting after sunset. You may not notice their bites initially, but the surrounding skin eventually becomes itchy and swollen. Mosquitoes are also known to harbor diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and West Nile.

How can you prevent pests in your Lansing home?

Fighting a pest infestation can be difficult, so preventative measures are the most reliable way to prevent future problems. Though infestations often require expert intervention, you can implement the following measures to keep pests away before they make their way into your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals are problematic and can cause significant damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control company about taking proactive measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing cracks and holes, 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 sticking around. Place food at least half a foot above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep sinks, counters 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

Trash, leaves, standing water and tall grass provide ample shelter to insects and small animals. Keeping your yard tidy and well-maintained with mowed grass and trimmed foliage is one of the simplest ways to prevent an infestation. If you need professional lawn care, check if national lawn care companies such as TruGreen service your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off access points 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 blocking services to keep critters out.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

When selecting a pest control service, ask the following questions to verify they have the knowledge to handle your unique situation.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors pest control chemical use through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. In addition, restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified according to EPA requirements and the laws of relevant states, territories and tribes.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is the governing body that provides licenses to pest control professionals servicing Illinois. Pesticide applicators should have a Commercial Applicator's License to work in the state.

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, type of pest and severity of the infestation. Pest control technicians typically discourage a single-treatment approach, as insects are frequently at different stages of their life cycles and 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 takes for your pest problem to disappear will vary based on the infestation nature and extent, as well as the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may perceive a decline in activity, but pests could resurface after hatching, requiring additional 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 subside within a few days' time.

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 holes and cracks. But if a pesticide is used, it may need several hours to dry, and you'll have to stay in another location while it dries.

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 find other accommodations.

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 food, animals and plants must be removed from the area.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest specialists offer green solutions for treating infestations. This involves using products that don't impact the environment as much as traditional chemical approaches. Some examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing up gaps for pests, setting catch-and-release traps for rodents, and using pesticides derived from natural sources.

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.