10 best pest control companies in Raritan, New Jersey

Common pests such as ticks, mice and moths can regularly infest homes in Raritan. You can take action yourself to avoid potential pest problems, but you may need to reach out to a pest control company if you are dealing with an infestation. A professional pest control service in Raritan can diagnose, address and resolve your pest problems.

Pest infestations pose risks to your home, family and pets. Insects and small animals can pass on disease, damage your home's structure and contaminate food.

A professional pest control company can reduce these risks. A pest professional will spot infestations and treat them with a range of methods, from sealing cracks and holes to using traps or 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 Raritan

Look for pest control companies in Raritan 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 Raritan?

While pests are everywhere, the hot spots for different species differ. The following pests are common in Raritan, and these are some signs of an infestation:

• Ticks: While ticks typically stay close to the ground outside, they can hitch a ride on your pets, shoes and clothes and make their way indoors. Female ticks then lay eggs on curtains, in upholstery or in carpet fibers once inside your home. They may also nest along baseboards, in corners and in the lining or pockets of clothing.
• Mice: If mice have infiltrated your home, you might see one darting by or find droppings around the size of a grain of rice. Mice often gnaw on furniture and have a musk. They make nests with foraged materials and shredded fibers, and favor tight areas, so you may hear them in your walls and ceilings.
• Moths: Common moths that invade homes include clothes moths and pantry moths. Clothes moths target wool and cotton, leaving behind tunnels, trenches, silky furrows and small tubes, which are larvae casings. Pantry moths bore into plastic food bags and create a web-like residue in pantries. Ripe fruit, fermented sugars and light attract moths.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be most active during nighttime and will run away when a light turns on. However, you may see them during the day if you have a serious infestation. They often nest in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Signs of cockroaches include droppings that look like brown or black specks, brown stains on walls and floors and egg casings. Cockroaches can also transmit disease and aggravate respiratory issues.
• Spiders: A growing number of spiderwebs in your home is the clearest sign of a spider infestation. Plenty 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 don't pose a health risk, with the exception of the brown recluse and black widow. Both are venemous and can deliver painful bites that require medical attention.

How can you prevent pests in your Raritan home?

Getting rid of pests isn’t easy, but a good defense is always the best offense. While an infestation probably requires professional help, there are steps you can take on your own to prevent pest infestations.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, pests can significantly impact your home and well-being. Discuss preventive options with a pest control professional to stop infestations before they start. Experts may suggest that you set traps, seal gaps or apply pesticides in specific areas.

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 sanitized 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

Trash, tall grass, standing water and leaves provide ample shelter to insects and small animals. Keeping your yard tidy and well-maintained with cut grass 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 entry points will deter insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for instance, can squeeze into holes as small as a half-inch in diameter. Don't neglect gaps in your roof or siding, and remember to seal up broken window frames. Some pest control services specialize in pest prevention.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to ensure you get a pest control expert that can meet your specific needs.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates 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.

New Jersy pest control professionals should be licensed through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Compliance & Enforcement, having completed 40 hours of training in order to earn a Commercial or Private Applicator License.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment plan a pest professional recommends will vary based on the location of the property, the specific treatment method, the severity of the infestation and the particular pest type. In most cases, pest control companies advise against relying on a one-time treatment to eliminate 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 specialists often suggest recurring treatments, some of which may be limited to the warmer months, while others last across all seasons. As a proactive measure, they might also recommend preventive treatments every two or three months to stop infestations from getting a foothold.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

The time it will take for your pest problem to be resolved depends on the type and extent of the infestation as well as the pest's life cycle. After your home's initial treatment, you might see a decline 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 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 certain portions of the pest control treatment, such as sealing holes and cracks. 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 can typically take a few hours.

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 different location.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A service professional will know how much of a particular product to use, how long it takes to dry and when children and pets can safely re-enter the area that's been treated. Before applying any treatment, they should educate you on what you must remove from the affected space, such as plants, food and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest treatment companies offer eco-friendly methods for managing an infestation. This means they use products with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. 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 organic 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 continuous services 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.