10 best pest control companies in Madison, Alabama

In Madison, fleas, snakes and mice are the most common source of problems. DIY prevention techniques may help your pest problem, but you may need to use a pest control company for an existing infestation. Certified pest control professionals in Madison know how to accurately identify pests, apply suitable treatments and resolve your pest problem.

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 spread disease, damage the structure of your home and contaminate food.

Hiring a professional pest control company can lower these risks. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create personalized treatment plans that may include closing off cracks, using traps or spraying pesticides. Once the right solution is implemented, pests can be controlled for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Madison

Look for pest control companies in Madison 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 Madison?

Different pests infest different regions. If you think you have an infestation, here are some signs of common pests in the Madison area:

• Fleas: If you notice your pet has black flecks on its skin and it's frequently scratching itself, you may have a flea problem. Although fleas can't live on human skin or hair, if you have an infestation, you'll often find red, itchy marks near your feet and ankles from them jumping up and biting. Fleas also spread disease, such as the bubonic plague.
• Spiders: A growing number of spiderwebs in your home is the strongest sign of a spider infestation. A variety of insects in the area for spider food and the presence of egg sacs are some more signs you may have a spider problem. Most spiders you may find in your home aren't dangerous, with the exception of the black widow and brown recluse. Both are venemous and can deliver painful bites that require medical attention.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are nocturnal and tend to scatter when you turn on a light. Still, you may catch a cockroach or two on the run if you have an infestation. Their nests tend to be around bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Cockroaches often leave brown smear marks on walls and floors, and droppings that look like small black specks around your home. Cockroaches can transmit various diseases through contamination and exacerbate respiratory problems.
• Bees: An increase in bee activity inside or around your home, buzzing within your walls or dark stains on your walls maysignal a bee infestation. You may also smell a strange odor coming from your walls, which happens as bees die or honey builds up inside, leading to mold and fungi growth. Bees can harm your family or pets by stinging them and potentially provoking allergic reactions.
• Wasps: More wasps than usual in and around your house is a big sign of an infestation. Wasps nest above or below ground. Ground nests are generally hidden, so you may not notice them until you disturb them. Because wasps are so aggressive, it's important that you reach out to a pest management service to remove the nest rather than attempt to remove it yourself. Otherwise, you may risk multiple stings or a severe allergic reaction.

How can you prevent pests in your Madison home?

A full-blown infestation probably needs professional intervention. However, there are things you can do before pests become a problem to to keep them from invading your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals can cause significant damage to your home and health if not addressed swiftly. Talk to a pest control expert about preventative measures to stop pests from entering your home. Their recommendations may include sealing off cracks and holes, placing traps or applying pesticides around the area.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

As pests are typically looking for food, making food difficult to access will discourage them from sticking around. Food should be a minimum of half a foot off the floor and a short distance away from the walls. Make sure to keep sinks, food storage areas and counters clean and disinfected when not in use, and dispose of food scraps and other trash frequently. Maintain the areas around your trash cans and dumpsters.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in tall grass, standing water, trash and leaves. Keeping your yard clear of debris and your lawn and foliage well-maintained is one of the simplest ways to stop an infestation before it starts. If professional lawn maintenance is needed, check if national lawn care services such as TruGreen are available in your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small openings will prevent insects and small animals from making their way indoors. Rats, for instance, can fit through openings as little as half an inch wide. Be sure to address openings in your roof or siding and seal damaged window frames. Some pest control companies focus specifically on pest exclusion services and can help you with this task.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

When selecting a pest control provider, ask the following questions to verify they have the skills 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 following EPA requirements and the laws of relevant states, territories and tribes.

Pest control professionals in Alabama are required to have a Commercial Applicator Permit. They are certified through the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment plan a pest professional recommends will vary based on the severity of the infestation, the location of the property, the particular pest type and the specific treatment method. In most cases, pest control providers advise against relying on a one-time treatment to get rid of household pests, as there will likely be insects at different stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hard-to-find spots.

Pest professionals generally advise ongoing 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 issue to go away will vary depending 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 supplementary treatments. On the other hand, you might notice increased activity following the first treatment, as it can drive pests out of hiding. Fortunately, this should subside within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can remain 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 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 release 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 remove from the space such as food, plants and animals before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Some pest specialists provide eco-friendly methods for addressing an infestation. This means they use products with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. 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 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 single treatment or ongoing treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the packages 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.