10 best pest control companies in Richmond, Virginia

Pests frequently encountered in Richmond are snakes, spiders and flies. DIY prevention techniques may help your pest issue, but you may need to bring in a pest control company for an existing infestation. Experienced pest control professionals in the Richmond area have the expertise to inspect your home and treat 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 irreversible damage to the structure of your home and spread disease.

A reputable 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 applying pesticides. Once the right solution is implemented, pests can be contained for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Richmond

Look for pest control companies in Richmond 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 Richmond?

While pests are all over, the hot spots for different species differ. If you suspect you have an infestation, here are some signs of common pests in Richmond:

• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are wingless insects about the size and shape of apple seeds. They have a reddish-brown flat appearance. Apartment buildings and hotels can harbor them and follow you home by getting into purses, clothing, used furniture and backpacks. They take refuge in beds and sleeping areas by day, then come out while you're sleeping. If you spot the insects themselves or find blood stains on your bedding or mattress, you may have a bed bug infestation.
• Fleas: Fleas typically target pets. Your pet may have fleas if it's constantly scratching itself and has black dots on its skin. While fleas don't live on human skin or hair, they do jump up and bite people, especially around the ankles. Fleas can also spread various diseases, such as the bubonic plague.
• Rats: Signs of a rat problem include seeing a rat, finding droppings about half an inch long or hearing scratching in your walls or ceiling. Rats also create entryways for themselves by gnawing through walls, doors and food packaging.
• Mice: If you have mice in your house, you may see one scampering by or find droppings about the size of a grain of rice. Mice tend to gnaw on furniture and emit a distinctive musky smell. They make their nests from gathered bits and torn fibers. Mice like to nest in tight spaces, so you may hear them in your walls or ceilings.
• Bees: An uptick in bees inside or around your home, buzzing within your walls or dark stains on your walls maypoint to 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 causing allergic reactions.
• Beetles: Several beetle species can enter homes and damage your home and belongings. Carpet beetles can destroy bedding, upholstered furniture and carpets, while biscuit beetles get into spices, seeds, pasta, rice and beans. Beetles are usually harmless as they don't bite or spread disease, but they can cause allergic reactions in some people.

How can you prevent pests in your Richmond 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 nesting in your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Insects 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 service. They may recommend plugging holes, laying traps or spraying pesticides in key areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests commonly seek out food sources, limiting their food access will prevent them from infesting your home. Place food at least half a foot 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 often, and keep the areas around trash cans and dumpsters clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

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

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off access points into your home will help prevent insects and small animals from entering. Rats, for example, can wriggle into holes just a half-inch in diameter. Repair gaps in your roof or siding, and remember to seal broken window frames. Some pest control providers offer specialized pest prevention services to keep critters out.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To ensure you hire a pest control company that's qualified to meet your specific needs, ask these questions.

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 according to EPA requirements and the laws of relevant states, territories and tribes.

Each pest control technician practicing in Virginia must have a Commercial Applicator for Hire License or a Registered Technician Certification from the Virgina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

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

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are done in all seasons. They may also suggest bimonthly or quarterly preventative treatments to stop an infestation before it starts.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

The time it will take for your pest problem 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 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 subside within a matter of 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 leave the house 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 remove from the space such as animals, food and plants before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest control providers offer green solutions for treating infestations. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples include sealing entry points where pests can enter, setting humane traps for rodents or using pesticides made from organic materials.

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 one-time solution, while others offer continuous service 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.