10 best pest control companies in Valdosta, Georgia

In Valdosta, snakes, rats and spiders are common pests. While you can consider DIY removal and prevention methods, an active infestation often requires the attention of a pest control expert. A professional pest control service in Valdosta can pinpoint, address and solve your pest problems.

Letting a pest problem go unchecked can introduce a variety of risks to you, your loved ones and your pets. Insects and small animals can cause irreversible structural damage to your home, contaminate your food supplies and spread disease.

An experienced pest control company can reduce these risks. A pest professional will spot infestations and treat them in a variety of ways, from closing entry points to using traps or chemicals. Once the right solution is implemented, pests can be controlled for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Valdosta

Look for pest control companies in Valdosta 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 Valdosta?

While pests are all over, not all of them invade the same places. Here are some signs of common pests in Valdosta.

• Snakes: Snakes commonly nest in overgrown grass, wood, debris and rock piles and are more active during the warmer months of the year. Signs of a snake infestation include shed snake skins and snake eggs. To test for a snake infestation, sprinkle flour near where you think a snake is nesting. If you find a trail through the flour, contact a pest control professional right away.
• Spiders: The easiest way to tell whether you have a spider infestation is if you notice a rising amount of spiderwebs in your home. Other signs include visible egg sacs and lots of other insects, which spiders like to feast on. Most spiders in homes are not dangerous, except for the black widow and brown recluse. Both have painful, venomous bites.
• 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, particularly around the ankles. Fleas can also spread various diseases, such as the bubonic plague.
• Mice: If you have mice in your house, you may see one darting through a room or find droppings about the size of a grain of rice. Mice tend to chew on furniture and emit a musky smell. They make their nests from shredded fibers and other found materials. Mice like to nest in tight spaces, so you may hear them scratching around in your walls or ceilings.
• Rats: You may have a rat problem if you see a rat, hear skittering 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.
• Ticks: Though ticks typically stay close to the ground outside, they can make their way into your home via pets, clothing or shoes. Inside, female ticks can lay eggs in upholstery, on curtains or in carpet fibers. Nests may also be hidden along baseboards, in corners and in the lining or pockets of clothing.

How can you prevent pests in your Valdosta home?

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

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals are disruptive and can cause considerable damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control professional about taking preemptive measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing small entry points, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Since pests are usually in search of sustenance, restricting their access to food sources will deter them from settling in. Store food at least six inches above the ground and slightly away from walls. Ensure counters, sinks and food storage areas are clean and sanitized when not being used. Regularly dispose of food waste and other garbage, and keep the spaces near 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 grass and trimming foliage are among the easiest ways to prevent an infestation from taking hold. Should you need expert lawn care assistance, look into whether national lawn care companies such as TruGreen service your location.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off entry points will prevent insects and small animals from making their way indoors. Rats, for instance, can fit through openings as small as half an 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 prevention and can help you with this task.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

When selecting a pest control provider, ask the following questions to verify they have the knowledge to handle your unique situation.

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 in accordance with the agency and state, territorial and tribal laws.

Georgia requires each pest control business operating in the state to have at least one full-time certified commercial applicator on staff. They must have a Pesticide Contractor License issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment schedule a pest specialist suggests will depend on the property location, infestation severity, pest type and treatment type. Pest control services generally do not advocate for 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 hard to access.

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are year-round. 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 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 further treatments. Conversely, you could see a surge 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 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 hours to dry, during which time you'll need to be out of the house.

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 release the pesticide. During this period, you'll need to find another place to stay.

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 return to 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 food, plants and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest management companies provide eco-friendly methods for managing infestations. This involves using products and techniques that don't impact the environment as much as traditional chemical approaches. 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 single treatment, while others offer continuous service to address recurring pest issues. Discuss the options available with your pest control expert.

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.