Best 10 Pest Control Companies in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth is a large place, so pest infestations start and spread quickly. Whether you're dealing with rats or mice, you want an innovative and proactive exterminator by your side to stop troublesome critters before they can take hold.

Our list of the best pest control companies in Elizabeth can help you choose the right team to tackle any pest problem, large or small.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

The most important step is hiring the right pest control company for the job. Some things you might consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.

Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.

Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum standards of competency, and the New Jersey regulatory agencies handle the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

A pest control company can optionally apply for certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to verify its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain training standards for employees.

A pest control company can also be a member of various professional organizations. Membership in an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, plus a professional network to compare best practices with. Membership in organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

How long a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with various pests. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also help you figure out whether it has the experience needed to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.

Reviews and Recommendations

You can look at a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore local review sites and social media to learn what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing via the New Jersey licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.

A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Safety and Treatment Methods

When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.

Safety

You should ask your pest control expert if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to provide you with information about all pesticides that they are going to use.

Treatment Methods

Many companies are now exploring more environmentally friendly pest management that can be implemented before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:

1. Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
2. Determine the best and safest course of action.
3. Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
4. Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
5. Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in Elizabeth

In Elizabeth, there are some pests that are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:

• Ants: Ants can be found in basically all of New Jersey. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than normal soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your house.
• Wasps: Wasps are commonly found in spots like sheds, roof overhangs, attics, and garages. They are often difficult to rid yourself of, and have painful stings. Your local pest professional can help remove wasp nests from your property safely.
• Flies: You might see flies around sinks or in areas where you keep food. Flies can get into your house in Elizabeth throughout the year, but they're even more common when the weather gets warmer.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout New Jersey and can cause major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often tricky to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest wallpaper, furniture, bedsheets, and more.
• Spiders: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
• Mice: If you have mice, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in places where food is kept or in attics.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association