10 best pest control companies in Matthews, North Carolina

In Matthews, snakes, bees and fleas are common pests. You can take action yourself to avoid potential pest problems, but you may need to call in a pest control company if you currently have an infestation. Licensed pest exterminators in Matthews know how to accurately identify pests, use proper chemicals and methods and resolve your pest problem.

Letting a pest issue go unchecked can introduce a variety of risks to you, your loved ones and your pets. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause long-term damage to the structure of your home and spread disease.

Hiring a professional pest control company can reduce these risks. They'll identify where pests have nested, and tailor a treatment plan that could include blocking access points, using traps or spraying chemicals. When the proper fixes are implemented, you can get rid of infestations for good.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Matthews

Look for pest control companies in Matthews 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 Matthews?

While pests are everywhere, the hot spots for different species vary. Check for these indications of common Matthews pests to determine whether you have an infestation:

• Snakes: Snakes are more active during the warmer months and make homes in wood, debris, rock piles and areas withovergrown grass. Signs of a snake infestation include the appearance of snake skins and snake eggs. You can test for a snake infestation by pouring some flour out where you think a snake lives. If you see trail marks in the flour, get in touch with a pest control expert right away.
• Mosquitos: Standing water lures mosquitoes, so you’re at a higher risk of an infestation if you live in a humid climate or have bodies of water nearby. Mosquitoes are active at night — as the sun goes down, they emit a distinctive buzzing noise and feed. You may not notice a bite until a few hours later, at which point the area around the bite turns into a bump and becomes itchy. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and West Nile.
• Bees: You may have a bee infestation if you hear humming inside your walls, notice more bees than usual either inside or outside your home or see dark stains on your walls. A strange scent radiating from your walls is another sign of a bee infestation, as bees dying or honey seeping into the walls can lead to mold or fungi. Bees are also a risk to your family and pets in that their stings can cause severe allergic reactions.
• Ticks: Ticks usually stay close to the ground outdoors, but they can enter your home on your pets, shoes or clothing. Once inside, a female tick lays her eggs on curtains, in carpet fibers and in upholstery. You may also spot nests along baseboards, in corners and even in the linings or pockets of clothing.
• 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 jump up and bite, particularly around your ankles. Fleas are also responsible for a variety of diseases, including bubonic plague.

How can you prevent pests in your Matthews home?

While an infestation will probably require professional extermination, the best way to prevent infestations is to implement preventative measures.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs 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 expert. They may recommend plugging holes, laying traps or spraying pesticides in key areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests usually seek out food sources, limiting their food access will discourage them from invading your home. Place food at least six inches above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep counters, sinks 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 neat.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Tall grass, leaves, trash and standing water create ideal habitats for insects and small animals. Maintaining a debris-free yard and regularly cutting your grass and trimming foliage are among the easiest ways to prevent an infestation from taking hold. Should you need expert lawn care assistance, look into whether national lawn care companies such as TruGreen operate in your location.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off small entry 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 gaps, 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?

Ask the following questions to make sure you get a pest control expert that can address your specific needs.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the use of pest control chemicals. Moreover, the EPA requires restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors to hold certifications in line with the agency's standards and the laws of the affected states, territories and tribes.

Professionals using pesticides in North Carolina must earn a Commercial Ground Applicator, Public Ground Operator, Private Applicator or Aerial Applicator License issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

A pest control expert 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 companies typically discourage a single-treatment approach, as insects are often at various stages of their life cycles and may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot areas.

Pest professionals generally advise continuous 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?

The time needed to resolve your pest problem will vary based on the type and severity of the infestation, along with the pest's life cycle. After the pest control specialist applies the initial treatment, you may notice less pest activity. However, pests might reappear once they hatch, warranting extra treatments. Alternatively, you may notice more pests following the first treatment, as it can drive pests out of their hiding places. The good news is this should lessen within a few days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can 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 several hours to dry, and you'll need to stay out of your home during this period.

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 find another place to stay.

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 tell you what items you must clear from the space such as food, animals and plants before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest management companies provide environmentally conscious methods for addressing infestations. This means they use methods with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. Examples include sealing areas where pests can enter, trapping rodents or using pesticides made from natural sources.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place to protect you if pests return before a predetermined date. These companies may offer a single service or ongoing treatment to tackle a recurring pest problem. Be sure to discuss the options with your provider.

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.