10 best pest control companies in Summit, New Jersey

Pests such as flies, mice and cockroaches can often infest living spaces in Summit. While you can try DIY removal and prevention methods, an active infestation most likely requires a pest control expert's help. These qualified pest exterminators in Summit can diagnose the problem and resolve it safely and effectively.

Pests that invade your property put your home and family at risk. Insects and small animals can spread disease, damage your home's structure and contaminate food.

An experienced pest control company can lower these risks. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create personalized treatment plans that could include plugging gaps, using traps or spraying pesticides. Once the right solution is implemented, pests can be kept in check for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Summit

Look for pest control companies in Summit 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 Summit?

Different pests invade different places. Check for the following indications of common Summit pests to determine whether you have an infestation:

• 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 on high shelves, around trash and near sink drains. The presence of maggots, which are fly larvae, in trash or other food waste also suggests an infestation.
• Rats: If you find droppings about half an inch long or hear scratching in your walls or ceiling, you may have a rat problem. Rats also create entry points for themselves by chewing through walls, doors and food packaging.
• Bees: Signs of a bee infestation include seeing more bees than usual, hearing the sound of buzzing or humming inside your walls and finding dark smears on your walls. An odd odor may also come from your walls. This happens when mold and fungi grow inside due to bees dying or honey seeping into the walls. Bees can also harm your family and pets, given their stings can cause allergic reactions.
• Mosquitos: Standing water draws mosquitoes, so nearby bodies of water and humid climates increase your infestation chances. Mosquitoes alert you to their presence with a distinctive buzzing noise. They're nocturnal — biting after sunset. You may not notice their bites initially, but the surrounding skin eventually becomes itchy and swollen. Mosquitoes are also known to carry diseases such as West Nile, dengue fever and malaria.
• Ticks: While ticks typically stay close to the ground outside, they can hitch a ride on your pets, shoes and clothing and make their way indoors. Female ticks then lay eggs in carpet fibers, in upholstery or on curtains once inside your home. They may also nest in corners, along baseboards and in the lining or pockets of clothing.
• Mice: If you have mice in your house, you may see one running out of the corner of your eye or find droppings about the size of a grain of rice. Mice tend to gnaw on furniture and emit a 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.

How can you prevent pests in your Summit 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 reduce the risk of infestations.

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

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests typically seek out food sources, limiting their food access will stop them from infesting your home. Place food at least six inches above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep sinks, food storage areas and counters clean and disinfected when not in use. Dispose of food scraps and other garbage often, and keep the areas around trash cans and dumpsters neat.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in tall grass, standing water, leaves and trash. Keeping your yard clear of debris and your lawn and foliage well-maintained is one of the simplest ways to stop an infestation before it starts. If professional lawn maintenance is needed, check if national lawn care services such as TruGreen are available in your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off ways will discourage insects and small animals from making their way indoors. Rats, for instance, can fit through openings as small as a half-inch wide. Be sure to address gaps in your roof or siding and seal damaged window frames. Some pest control companies focus specifically on pest exclusion services and can help you with this task.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

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

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs the use of pest control chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Furthermore, the EPA mandates that restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors have certification compliant with the agency's regulations as well as state, territorial and tribal legislation.

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 specific treatment method, the severity of the infestation, the location of the property and the particular pest type. In most cases, pest control companies advise against relying on a single treatment to eliminate 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 carried out 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?

How long it will take for your pest issue to be resolved depends on the infestation type and severity and the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may see a decrease in activity, but pests can return after they hatch, requiring additional treatments. You may also find increased activity after the first treatment, as it can flush pests out of hiding places. Luckily, this should subside within a few days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You should be able to remain in your home for some parts of the pest control treatment, such as sealing holes and cracks. If your service professional uses a pesticide, it may take a few hours before it's dry, during which time you'll need to vacate the premises.

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 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 clear from the space such as plants, food and animals before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest control providers offer environmentally conscious methods for addressing an infestation. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing potential entry points where pests can gain access, humanely trapping rodents or applying pesticides made from natural sources.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control companies provide guarantees and warranties in the event that pests reappear before a specific date. To resolve a returning pest issue, specialists may offer a single treatment or continued treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the treatments 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.