5 best pest control companies in Monroe, Louisiana

Common pests such as fleas, termites and flies can easily make their way into houses in Monroe. You can take action yourself to prevent potential pest problems, but you may need to contact a pest control company if you already have an infestation. These licensed pest experts in Monroe can diagnose the problem and resolve it safely and effectively.

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 cause irreversible structural damage to your home, contaminate your food and spread disease.

A reputable pest control company can reduce these risks. They'll determine where pests have nested, and customize a treatment plan that could include closing off 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 Monroe

Look for pest control companies in Monroe 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 Monroe?

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

• Fleas: You may have a flea problem if your pet is frequently scratching, 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.
• Flies: It's normal to find the occasional fly buzzing around your home during the summer, but if you see more than usual, you could have an infestation. Flies leave waste that looks like clusters of black dots around trash, on high shelves and near sink drains. The presence of maggots, which are fly larvae, in trash or other food waste also suggests an infestation.
• Spiders: Seeing more spiderwebs and spiders than usual is the strongest indicator of spider infestations. Additional clues include visible egg sacs and a significant number of other insects for the spiders to feed on. While spiders found in homes are generally harmless, black widows and brown recluses deliver venemous bites that require medical attention.
• Mosquitos: Standing water draws mosquitoes, so living in wet climates or near bodies of water puts your property at a higher risk of infestation. Mosquitoes are nocturnal and signal their presence through a sharp buzzing noise. Bites might not be instantly noticeable, but later the spots will become red and itchy. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile.
• 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 hard to spot, so you may not notice them until you disturb them. Because wasps are so aggressive, it's important that you call a pest control company to remove the nest rather than attempt to remove it yourself. Otherwise, you may risk multiple stings or a severe allergic reaction.
• Rats: You may have rats if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear skittering in your walls or ceiling. Rats will also eat into food wrappings and bite into walls and doors to create access points.

How can you prevent pests in your Monroe 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 infesting your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals are problematic and can cause considerable damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control professional about taking preventative measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing gaps, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

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

Keep up with yard maintenance

Trash, tall grass, standing water and leaves give ample shelter to insects and small animals. Keeping your yard free of debris and well-maintained with a mowed lawn and trimmed foliage is one of the most straightforward ways to prevent an infestation. If you need professional lawn care, find out if national lawn care companies such as TruGreen service your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off small access points will help keep insects and small animals from entering your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as tiny 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 pest exclusion.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To ensure you hire a pest control expert 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) governs 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.

Louisiana requires pest control applicators to be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. They must possess either a Ground Owner-Operator License or an Aerial Owner-Operator License with or without phenoxy endorsement.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

A pest expert's recommended treatment frequency will be determined by factors such as the treatment type, infestation severity, pest type and property location. Generally, pest control companies do not recommend only a single treatment, since insects are often at different phases of their life cycle, and may have laid eggs in hard-to-access places.

Pest professionals generally advise ongoing treatments, with some taking place only in the warmer months and others occurring 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 it will take for your pest issue to go away depends on the nature and extent of the infestation as well as the pest's life cycle. After your home's initial treatment, you might notice a decrease in activity, but pests may reemerge after hatching, requiring further treatments. Conversely, you could see a spike in activity following the first treatment, as it can drive pests from their hiding spots. Fortunately, this should subside within a matter of days.

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 hours to dry completely, and you'll have to vacate your home 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 apply the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to stay at a hotel or with friends or family.

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 take out of the space such as plants, animals and food before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control providers offer environmentally friendly methods for treating infestations. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing potential pest entry points, trapping rodents and using less harmful ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place if pests return before a certain date. Companies may offer a one-time treatment or ongoing treatments to resolve a stubborn pest problem. Ask your service provider what options 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.