10 best pest control companies in Washington, New Jersey

In Washington, mosquitos, flies and mice are a regular source of problems. While you can try DIY removal and prevention methods, an active infestation most likely requires a pest control professional's help. Skilled pest experts in Washington know how to accurately identify pests, apply suitable treatments and resolve your pest problem.

Pests that invade your property put your home and loved ones in danger. Insects and small animals can spread disease, damage the structure of your home and contaminate food.

Hiring a professional pest control company can decrease these risks. They'll determine where pests have nested, and tailor a treatment plan that could include closing off entry points, using traps or applying pesticides. Once the right solution is applied, pests can be kept at bay for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Washington

Look for pest control companies in Washington 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 Washington?

While pests are all over, not all of them infest the same places. Here are some indications of common pests in Washington.

• Mosquitos: Standing water draws mosquitoes, so you’re at a higher risk of an infestation if you live in a humid climate or have bodies of water nearby. Mosquitoes are active at night — as the sun goes down, they emit a loud buzzing noise and feed. You may not notice a bite until a few hours later, at which point the area around the bite turns into a bump and becomes itchy. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile, malaria and dengue fever.
• Flies: Flies often buzz around homes in the summer, but more flies than normal could mean an infestation. Fly droppings look like black specks and are often found in around high shelves, trash and sink drains. Another sign of an infestation is finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Mice: Mice that have gotten into your house might dart by quickly or leave rice grain-sized droppings. Mice characteristically give off a distinct musky smell and damage household items by nibbling through them. They build nests from shredded fibers and other found materials. As mice prefer tight spaces, you may hear noises inside your walls or ceiling.
• Ants: Your home could be infested with various ant types. Carpenter ants nest in wood, while fire ants like greasy food scraps. Both bite, unlike pavement ants, which also often invade homes. Ant trails inside your home suggest larger colonies are nearby.
• Spiders: Seeing more spiderwebs and spiders than usual is the strongest indicator of spider infestations. Additional clues include visible egg sacs and a significant number of other insects for the spiders to feed on. While spiders found in homes are generally harmless, brown recluses and black widows deliver venemous bites that require medical attention.
• Beetles: Different kinds of beetle breeds can make their way into homes. Carpet beetles eat the natural fibers in carpets, bedding and upholstered furniture. Biscuit beetles infest seeds, rice, grains, pasta, beans and spices. Beetles don't transmit disease or bite, but some may induce allergic reactions.

How can you prevent pests in your Washington 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 significant damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control service about taking preemptive measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing gaps, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Pests mainly 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 counters, food storage areas 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 clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Tall grass, trash, standing water 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 simplest ways to prevent an infestation from taking hold. Should you need expert lawn care assistance, check whether national lawn care companies such as TruGreen service your location.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small entrances will help keep insects and small animals from entering your home. Rats can maneuver through holes as little as half-inch in diameter. Inspect your roof and siding for gaps, and be sure to seal off damaged window frames. Some pest control companies specialize in keeping pests out of your home.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

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

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs the application of pest control substances 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 schedule a pest specialist advises will depend on the infestation severity, property location, treatment type and pest type. Pest control services generally do not recommend 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 difficult to reach.

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 be resolved depends on the nature and severity 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 decrease 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 some stages of the pest control treatment, such as when the professional is sealing up entry points. But if a pesticide is used, it may need hours to dry completely, and you'll have to leave the house while it dries.

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 stay in a hotel or other accommodations.

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?

A number of pest treatment companies offer green solutions for managing an infestation. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing potential pest entry points, trapping rodents and using less harmful 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 single 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.