10 best pest control companies in Oak Park, Illinois

In Oak Park, mice, flies and ants are the most common cause of issues. Taking preventative measures yourself can help you avoid pest problems, but calling a pest control company is best if you spot signs of an existing infestation. Certified pest exterminators in the Oak Park area have the skills to inspect your home, apply the right treatments and solve your pest problems.

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

Hiring a professional pest control company can lower these risks. A technician will find nesting areas, and create an extermination plan, using methods such as sealing entrances, capturing pests or spraying chemicals. Once the right solution is administered, pests can be kept in check for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Oak Park

Look for pest control companies in Oak Park 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 Oak Park?

Though pests are found everywhere, they don't equally impact the same regions. Here are some signs of common pests in Oak Park.

• Mice: Mice that have gotten into your house might scurry by briefly or leave rice grain-sized droppings. Mice characteristically give off a musky smell and damage household items by chewing through them. They build nests from shredded fibers and other found materials. As mice prefer tight spaces, you may hear scratching sounds inside your walls or ceiling.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during warmer seasons, nesting among overgrown grass, rock piles, debris and wood. Shed snake skins and snake eggs point to infestations. To test if you have a snake infestation, sprinkle flour on the ground where you suspect they're nesting. If you see snake trails in the flour, you know it's time to contact a pest control company.
• Beetles: Several beetle species can infest homes and damage your home and belongings. Carpet beetles can destroy upholstered furniture, bedding and carpets, while biscuit beetles get into spices, beans, pasta, seeds and rice. Beetles are generally harmless as they don't bite or spread disease, but they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Rats: If you find droppings about half an inch long or hear skittering in your walls or ceiling, you may have a rat infestation. Rats also create entry points for themselves by gnawing through walls, doors and food packaging.
• Fleas: If you notice your pet has black flecks on its skin and it's constantly 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 leaping up and biting. Fleas also transmit disease, such as the bubonic plague.

How can you prevent pests in your Oak Park home?

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

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals can cause serious issues in your home and health if not addressed promptly. Talk to a pest control expert about preventative measures to stop pests from entering your home. Their recommendations may include sealing off small entry points, placing traps or applying pesticides around the area.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Pests primarily 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 food storage areas, counters and sinks 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 entry points will help keep insects and small animals from infiltrating your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as small 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?

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) regulates the use of pest control chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Additionally, the EPA requires restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors to have certification in accordance with the agency and state, territorial and tribal laws.

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?

What treatment schedule a pest specialist suggests will depend on the infestation severity, pest type, treatment type and property location. Pest control services generally do not recommend getting a single treatment to rid a home of pests, as insects are often at different points in their life cycle, and can lay eggs in areas that are difficult to reach.

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 it will take for your pest issue to be resolved 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 additional treatments. Conversely, you could see a spike in activity following the first treatment, as it can force pests from their hiding spots. Fortunately, this should decrease 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 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.

Some services take a particularly long time. During termite fumigation, the pest control company needs to erect a tent around your home for three days to apply the pesticide. You must stay elsewhere during that time.

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, animals and plants before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest management companies provide environmentally friendly methods for managing infestations. These companies employ products that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing potential pest entry points, using humane traps for rodents and using pesticides derived from natural sources.

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 single treatment, while others offer ongoing treatments 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.