10 best pest control companies in Tampa, Florida

In Tampa, snakes, termites and flies are common pests. Implementing preventative measures yourself can help you avoid pest problems, but reaching out to a pest control company is recommended if you have an existing infestation. Licensed pest specialists in the Tampa area have the expertise to inspect your home, use appropriate treatments and solve your pest problems.

Pests that infest your property put your home, family and pets at risk. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause irreversible damage to the structure of your home and spread disease.

Hiring pest control pros can substantially lower the damage from an infestation. A pest professional will find infestations and treat them with a range of methods, from closing entry points to using traps or 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 Tampa

Look for pest control companies in Tampa 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 Tampa?

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

• Mosquitos: Standing water attracts mosquitoes, so humid climates and nearby bodies of water increase your infestation chances. Mosquitoes alert you to their presence with a distinctive buzzing noise. They're nocturnal — biting after sunset. You may overlook their bites initially, but the surrounding skin eventually becomes itchy and swollen. Mosquitoes are also known to spread diseases such as malaria, West Nile and dengue fever.
• Flies: Flies often buzz around homes in the summer, but a significant number could mean an infestation. Fly droppings look like black specks and are often found in around sink drains, high shelves and trash. Another sign of an infestation is seeing maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Rats: You may have a rat problem if you see a rat, hear scurrying in your walls or ceiling or find droppings about half an inch long. Rats also create access points for themselves by chewing 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 chew 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 scratching around in your walls or ceilings.
• Wasps: The biggest sign of a wasp infestation is simply seeing more wasps around than usual. Many types of wasp nest above ground, but ground wasps generally nest in dirt underground. A ground nest may not be noticeable until you step on it. Wasps are known to swarm, and show significantly more aggression than bees. Be sure to contact pest control rather than attempting nest removal yourself.

How can you prevent pests in your Tampa home?

A full-blown infestation probably needs professional intervention. However, there are precautions you can take before pests become a problem to prevent them from getting a foothold in your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

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

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

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

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in leaves, trash, standing water and tall grass. 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, find out if national lawn care services such as TruGreen cover your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small access points will prevent insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for example, can squeeze into holes as tiny as a half-inch in diameter. Don't neglect cracks in your roof or siding, and remember to seal up broken window frames. Some pest control services specialize in pest exclusion.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to make sure you get a pest control professional that can meet your specific needs.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees 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 compliant with the agency and state, territorial and tribal laws.

Florida requires pest control technicians to be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Private, Public or Commercial Applicator Licenses are all available through this office.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment plan a pest professional suggests 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 one-time treatment to get rid of household pests, as there will likely be insects at different stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot locations.

Pest professionals generally advise ongoing treatments, with some taking place only in the warmer months and others happening 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 more treatments. Conversely, you could see a surge in activity following the first treatment, as it can push 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 remain in your home for some parts of the pest control treatment, such as sealing holes and cracks. However, 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.

Certain pest control treatments can take a while. For termite fumigation, the pest control company erects a tent over your entire home for three days to apply the pesticide. You'll have to vacate your home during this process.

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

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest treatment companies offer environmentally friendly methods for addressing infestations. This means they use methods with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing potential entry points where pests can gain access, using catch-and-release traps or applying pesticides made from natural ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place to protect you if pests return before a predetermined date. These companies may offer a one-time treatment or ongoing treatment to tackle a recurring pest problem. Be sure to discuss the service packages with your provider.

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.